A measure that would allow universities to raise tuition from three to five percent for each of the next four years has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee. State Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Savoie says the increase is modest, but necessary in order to keep Louisiana institutions of higher learning from lagging further behind. If the measure becomes law, the increases would go into effect in the fall at LSU, Southern University, Southeastern Louisiana University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The bill moves to the full House for consideration.