Questions on proposed Texas higher ed budget cuts

AUSTIN, TXS Texas leaders late last month asked state agencies to lower their next two-year funding requests by 10 percent. A previous order requires 5 percent cuts from existing budgets, with some programs exempt.

Legislators who convene in January face a budget shortfall of up to $18 billion.

The Austin American-Statesman reported Monday that the prospect of an additional reduction has some higher education leaders worried.

Rey Garcia with the Texas Association of Community Colleges says the proposed money-saving cuts couldn't come at a worse time because the state is having record double-digit enrollment growth.