The state's financial problems could bring another round of tuition increases for colleges, lawmakers told higher education officials Thursday.

The budget increase submitted by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education faces no chance of approval, members of the legislature's Joint Budget Committee said.

"We can't afford you anymore," said Rep. Don Marostica, R-Loveland, a committee member.

The comment came during a meeting between college leaders and lawmakers to discuss budget requests for the 2009-10 school year.

Gov. Bill Ritter has already warned that the budget will be tight as the national recession deepens. A formal revenue estimate will be presented to the committee Friday.

Low state funding has driven heavy tuition increases every year since the beginning of the decade.

Ritter and the state Department of Higher Education are suggesting a 9 percent hike at the research universities. Other four-year schools would see a 7 percent increase, while rates would go up by 5 percent at community colleges.

Lawmakers approved the same percentage increases last year effective this fall.

The 11-member Commission on Higher Education seeks an $83 million increase for universities and colleges - more than twice the $40 million Ritter is asking. Commission Chairman Jim Polsfut told lawmakers the amount is the panel's estimate of how much it would take to begin eliminating the gap in public support for higher education between Colorado and other states.