Anne Rasmussen and Thomas Madrecki

Higher ed to see cuts in budget

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine has asked all state agencies, including the University, to propose three different contingency plans reflecting 5, 10 and 15 percent budget cuts for the 2009-10 fiscal year, said Kaine?s spokesperson Gordon Hickey.The mandated plans for reduction are the third round of proposed state spending cuts imposed since last October in an attempt to cope with the slowing economy and declining tax collections, Hickey said, noting that the typical sources of government revenue recently have seen decline.Hickey also confirmed that the University, as well as other Virginia higher education institutions, would be affected by any proposed cuts ordered by the governor in an effort to balance the state budget.University spokesperson Carol Wood, however, noted that the University initially was unaware that it would be affected by the proposal.?When the original message came out, we did not receive it,? Wood said.