Louisiana''s public colleges will get hit hard in the state House's approved budget.

Education officials say they would be forced to make steep cuts next year if state senators agree on the $25 billion proposal. In addition to $200 million in higher education cuts from the governor's budget office, GOP lawmakers in the House called for $268 million more in reductions, saying they didn't want to use one-time dollars to pay for ongoing expenses.

House Republicans say the dollars can be cut from salaries, contracts and travel expenses without damaging critical services. The Jindal administration disagrees, saying the cuts would harm colleges and health care.

The Louisiana Senate is scheduled to take up the issue Monday.

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