HARRISBURG — The state House Appropriations Committee's budget hearing on funding for state-related universities is under way, with the leaders of the four schools explaining why their institutions are key to economic recovery in Pennsylvania.

Gov. Tom Corbett has proposed slashing funding for Penn State and the other three state-related by 30 percent in the upcoming fiscal year. He also formed a commission to study higher education and how it can prepare students for the economy.

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg said there was a "fundamental disconnect" between Corbett's proposed budget and his goal for the state to have a job-ready workforce.

"There was a fundamental disconnect between the governor's express desire to ensure there was a strong workforce for the innovation economy of the 21st century and the action items embedded in his budget," Nordenberg said.

Penn State President Rodney Erickson pointed out that Penn State is one of the top producers of engineering graduates in the country. It also graduates students in science, earth and mineral sciences and agriculture.

"We need to understand they're very often the higher cost programs," Erickson said.