Representatives of the University of Illinois System made their official pitch Thursday for a 16 percent budget increase to an Illinois Senate appropriations committee.

The fiscal year 2020 operating budget request is for $692.5 million, up from $594.6 million for fiscal year 2019. When adjusted for a 2.5 percent inflation rate, the number is slightly below 2015 fiscal year levels and approximately $200 million below 2010 funding, according to the university system budget presentation.