By Courtney Tanner | The Salt Lake Tribune | Photo by Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah lawmakers have given their initial signoff on each public college and university’s proposal for cutting millions from their budgets under the state’s mandate — and leaders of those schools promised the cuts would only be the start for how they plan to scrutinize programs and spending.

Overall, across the eight institutions, the cuts slashed $60.5 million — discontinuing 271 degrees and certificates, and eliminating 412 positions.

Several legislators said they were “impressed” by the plans, and applauded school presidents for following their direction under a pair of bills passed during the most recent legislative session this spring.

Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan, said it was “the right direction that we need to go for higher ed.” Sen. John Johnson, R-North Ogden, called it “an outstanding job.”

“This was a big lift for all the institutions,” added Rep. Jon Hawkins, R-Pleasant Grove. The restructuring for schools to cut “inefficient” programs, he said, will “better prepare our people for the job market.”

Read more at SLTrib.com.

This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aims to inform readers across the state.