Nevada higher education budget heads for showdown

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Lawmakers are set to finalize the Nevada System of Higher Education budget that prompted student rallies and campouts over the past few months.

A money committee will consider the account Wednesday.

The Board of Regents backs a four-point plan to fund the college and university system. It includes a 5 percent pay cut for employees, 13 percent tuition and fee increases in each of the next two years and program reductions.

The system is also asking for more general funds. Gov. Brian Sandoval's original budget proposed to cut annual state support by $162 million by 2013. He recommended adding $20 million more to the system after state revenue projections improved.

Democrats have been opening up funding gaps by passing budgets at higher levels than Sandoval recommends.