LAS VEGAS - Nevada universities and colleges need $77 million more than the amount Gov. Kenny Guinn has included in his budget plan, interim Chancellor Jim Rogers said.
Besides the $1.15 billion in general fund money the governor proposed for the university system for the biennium, Rogers wants $50 million of a $300 million budget surplus for construction projects.
"I really need some capital money this time," Rogers said Friday during a meeting with local business leaders.
Rogers will have to compete with other projects that some lawmakers believe are higher priorities. He plans to discuss the matter at the university system's first budgetary meeting with lawmakers on Monday.
"Education is always a high priority for me and always will be, but right now we have a property tax crisis and a mental health crisis, and we need to address those," said Sen. Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, a member of the budget committee.
- Associated Press
