CalPERS today will likely approve a $600 million increase in state contributions to the beleaguered pension fund.

The fund's benefits and program administration committee Tuesday recommended the increase in a unanimous vote. The full board of the California Public Employees' Retirement System will vote today.

CalPERS was on the brink of raising contributions a month ago, until state Treasurer Bill Lockyer persuaded fellow board members to hold off pending more research by the fund's staff. Lockyer was wary of imposing a big increase with the state already wrestling with a $19 billion budget deficit.

Staffers concluded the increase is needed - and will only add about $87 million to the deficit. That's because much of the increase will be borne by special funds, not the general fund, and has already been factored into the $19 billion deficit.

Alan Milligan, the interim chief actuary, said deferring the increase would hurt CalPERS. "Fairly significant increases in contributions are warranted," he said.