Gov. Chris Gregoire this morning proposed charging students an additional fee during the next two years to help make up for budget cuts in the state's four-year universities.

There were no details on how large of a fee is being considered, but the governor's budget office said it was running numbers for a proposal that would raise $50 million to $120 million during the next two years.

"I think there is an opportunity for us here to put on a potential surcharge, limited in time with regard to higher education, for the four year universities ... to ensure the enrollment numbers stay where they are," Gregoire said during an impromptu news conference outside a hearing room.

I do not want to close the door to students at this critical time. I want to keep those doors open," she said.

Gregoire's proposed budget included 13 percent spending cuts for four-year universities. But since then the budget shortfall has grown to nearly $8.5 billion over the next two years and college officials are bracing for even deeper cuts.

Gregoire said a higher education tax credit recently approved by Congress, as well as beefed up Pell grants, would offset the increased costs for families.

"I think there is a formula that makes that all work so there's no greater burden on students and families that can't afford it. And meanwhile we can keep our doors to higher education open," the governor said.

UPDATE

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