A proposal to cut state aid to Michigan's public universities has some worried about larger tuition increases next fall.

Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to keep the amount of money sent directly to the state's 15 public universities at current levels for the budget year that starts Oct. 1.

But the Republican-led Senate Appropriations Committee could vote as early as Wednesday on a budget bill that would cut state appropriations to universities by 3.1 percent, a move that could lead to higher tuition increases or more program cuts next fall.

The Senate says the cuts are needed as it tries to erase a projected $1.7 billion budget shortfall for next fiscal year without tax increases.