Senate Majority Leader John Morse, a Democrat from Colorado Springs, says higher education is a prime target for budget cuts because state law requires voter approval for any tax increases. He says funding for programs like Medicaid and public education are protected by state and federal law.

Morse told college presidents Thursday they must quickly come up with ideas for legislation to be submitted when the Legislature convenes in January.

Suggestions included allowing state colleges and universities flexibility in setting tuition and making them exempt from state rules limiting the use of temporary employees.