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A board overseeing the state�s 11 public universities will ask state lawmakers for more money to keep the lights on. Skyrocketing utility cost are putting a dent in schools� budgets. The University System�s Board of Governors predicts a 20 percent increase in utility cost. They�ll ask lawmakers for a 30 million dollars budget increase to keep up with the rising cost. Many universities are already removing lights and turning up the A/C to save money. Florida State University Assistant V.P. of Facilities Dennis Bailey said the cost of energy continues to go up, but their budget stays flat.

�Our problem is keeping up with the increasing utility cost each year, that�s exacerbated by the fact that our allowance from the state hasn�t changed. Once we get an allowance from the state it stays the same year after year,� said Baily.

The Board of Governors will also ask lawmakers for an extra 65 million dollars to keep quality professors from leaving Florida to work at out-of-state colleges.