The first big step in making cuts to Iowa's current spending to cover an expected budget shortfall was taken by the Iowa Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday.
The committee voted to make over $52 million in cuts to current-year funding for state agencies and programs. It includes over $19 million from Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa and over $5 million from funding for the state's community colleges.
Republicans in the Senate say they cut more than Gov. Kim Reynolds requested to have a "cushion" against any further downfall in state tax revenue.