Changes in the state's fiscal situation are forcing higher education institutions to make budget cuts. Board of Regents Chairperson Donna Shank says that after careful planning, the state's higher education system is well-prepared in the event 2009 budget cuts become necessary.

The Kansas Board of Regents reports that overall, higher education funding would be reduced by a net total of $114.4 million for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.

That breaks down to $24.3 million for 2009 and $90.1 million in 2010. The state is facing a budget shortfall that could approach $1 billion by June, 2010.