Some public colleges and universities in Texas are prepping for what could be additional budget cuts by freezing hiring and deferring equipment purchases.

Texas leaders late last month asked state agencies to lower their next two-year funding requests by 10 percent. A previous order requires 5 percent cuts from existing budgets, with some programs exempt.

Legislators, who convene in January, face a budget shortfall of up to $18 billion.

The Austin American-Statesman reported Monday that the prospect of an additional reduction has some higher education leaders worried.

Rey Garcia with the Texas Association of Community Colleges said the proposed money-saving cuts couldn't come at a worse time, because the state is having record double-digit enrollment growth.

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