Missouri's legislative budget leaders may not go along with Gov. Jay Nixon's proposed cuts to public colleges and universities.
Nixon has proposed a 12.5 percent reduction to higher education institutions for the next academic year.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Kurt Schaefer said Wednesday he does not intend to follow Nixon's recommendation. The Columbia Republican says the cut would be a huge blow to higher education.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Ryan Silvey - a Republican from Kansas City - says he also wants to add money to higher education. But he says lawmakers must decide whether it's worth it to try to go against Nixon's wishes.
University officials say their schools already have taken steps to become more efficient. Some say more cuts could lead to reduced courses or employee furloughs.
