The presidents of Iowa's public universities are asking for a $12 million state funding increase. They presented their request to Gov. Reynolds Tuesday, saying the money would be used for financial aid for resident undergraduate students. Iowa State and the University of Iowa would see an additional $5 million each and the University of Northern Iowa would get $2 million for needs-based financial aid. Iowa State is asking for $175.8 million in state appropriations. The presidents are also requesting nearly $40 million for major construction projects, including updating and expanding ISU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The university is asking for $20 million in the next fiscal year to help fund the $100 million, five-year project.