Kansas higher education officials will submit a slimmed down budget request to Gov. Sam Brownback and the Legislature. Regents say they hope the $31.8 million price is more acceptable to the administration.

The budget approved Thursday by the Kansas Board of Regents was trimmed from a staff recommendation of $60 million. It includes a smaller increase for the six state universities and 19 community colleges.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports (https://bit.ly/pXhpa60) that regents were divided on a request from community colleges for technical education. Staff proposed a $20 million increase next year, though studies suggest the system is underfunded and needs closer to $60 million.

However, regents cut the amount to $8 million. Supporters said it was better to ask for a lower amount from legislators given tight state revenues.