University of Idaho President Duane Nellis said the U of I has seen $22 million in budget cuts just in the past two years, and that doesn’t count additional ones lawmakers are now mulling, or the elimination of $10 million for a dairy research center project. “These budget reductions do have an impact on our academic programs and on the state,” Nellis told the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. So far, the UI has discontinued 45 programs - eliminated 35 degree programs, and restructured 10 others/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

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Question: Which of the two local chairmen of legislative education committees is more of an advocate for education -- John Goedde on the Senate side or Bob Nonini on the House side?