MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- University students from across the state are urging lawmakers to spend more money on higher education.

A couple of thousand students, faculty, alumni and supporters gathered at the Statehouse late Thursday morning for the annual Higher Education Day Rally.

Speakers called on legislators to up the amount that colleges and universities receive in the state education budget. Gov. Robert Bentley told the crowd that higher education funding has increased each year during his first term in office.

The event is organized by the Higher Education Partnership.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- University students from throughout the state are planning to gather at the Statehouse in Montgomery for the annual Higher Education Day Rally.

The event organized by the Higher Education Partnership starts at 11 a.m. Thursday. It traditionally draws more than 2,000 students, faculty, alumni and supporters. The executive director of the partnership, Gordon Stone, says participants will encourage state officials to give higher education a larger percentage of the state education budget.

A spokesman for Gov. Robert Bentley says he will attend the rally. Legislative leaders are also scheduled to participate.