University System of Georgia Chancellor Henry "Hank" Huckaby says he's "cautiously optimistic" that the state's 35 public colleges and universities will get full funding next fiscal year.

That could mean lower tuition increases for students and an infusion of about $100 million for cash-strapped campuses that have been cut by more than $1 billion since the economy tanked.

Huckaby told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that he's traveled to 22 institutions since he took over as head of the system in July, and he hopes to get to all 35 by Thanksgiving.

Huckaby, a former state lawmaker, became chancellor after his predecessor, Erroll Davis, retired.

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