Kan. governor announces ed cut, budget changes

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By JOHN HANNA

Associated Press Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Parkinson has outlined $160 million in adjustments to Kansas' budget, including additional cuts in aid to public schools and universities.

A few adjustments he announced Thursday will require the approval of legislators when they reconvene in January. But most, including the new cuts in school aid and higher education spending, take effect immediately.

The adjustments are designed to keep the state's budget in the black for its 2010 fiscal year, which began Thursday. A deficit loomed when tax collections fell $126 million short of expectations for the just-completed fiscal year.

The cuts Parkinson is imposing include a 2 percent reduction in aid to school districts. The higher education system will see a similar reduction in state tax dollars.