Higher education cuts criticized - CATHY BUSSEWITZ, Associated Press Writer

Higher education officials told lawmakers Friday that to carry out Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons' proposed budget cuts, they would have to lay off 2,000 full-time employees. While the higher education system qualifies for federal stimulus funds, the officials also said the state might not be able to come up with the substantial matching funds required to qualify. Vice Chancellor Dan Klaich said that the cuts would amount to the equivalent of closing all community colleges, which the state can't do. He added that if the state shut down the law school, dental school and intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, that only would accomplish a third of the necessary reduction.