INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana University's president says he's encouraged that the state budget proposal would boost higher education funding after years of cuts during the recession.

IU President Michael McRobbie and other state university leaders testified Thursday before the Senate Appropriations Committee that is now considering the new state spending plan. The version approved last month by the House increases university funding by 3.5 percent, up from the 1 percent hike proposed by Gov. Mike Pence.

McRobbie says he's pleased with the support so far from legislators after more than $150 million in state cuts to universities in recent years.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Luke Kenley says the university funding increase appears justified and that he generally supports it.