RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ The $90 million in cuts the McAuliffe administration is seeking from Virginia’s public colleges and universities this fiscal year and next are likely to spare students. Instead, the savings will be achieved by keeping vacant unfilled positions, through energy conservation, deferred maintenance and other measures. While no layoffs are expected in the first round of cuts, higher education officials say they can’t be ruled out next year when $45 million will be trimmed anew. Cuts in financial aid are off the table, and Gov. Terry McAuliffe is discouraging tuition increases. The cuts are aimed at filling an $882 million budget shortfall. Other measures include dipping into the state’s so-called rainy day fund and making cuts to various agencies and local governments. The higher ed cuts are due in Richmond Friday.
