University Regents defy Gov. Gibbons - 13 News Las Vegas

University of Nevada Regents voted Friday to defy Governor Jim Gibbons' demand for budget cuts, and ask for more money instead. They want the state to up their budget for higher education by 4-point-5 percent by doing away with state-mandated furloughs and restoring longevity and merit pay. The vote also defies the Governor's request for 10 percent budget cuts. The regents know their request is a long-shot. Regent James Dean Leavitt says, "It's symbolic, but it's a real vote. We're going to comply with the budget cut request at the appropriate time. We're advocates and stewards for higher education. We're going to continue to tell the legislature what we need to adequately fund education."