The governor's office says it will brief lawmakers this week on a new round of cuts. The projected deficit is expected to be even bigger than first predicted because of a surge in Medicaid enrollment.

The state started the current budget year in July with a $320 million shortfall after an economic forecast in June showed revenue projections continued to fall. Now lawmakers have to cut at least another $240 million more by June 30.

Budget committee chairwoman Sen. Moe Keller says the state may now be forced to cut funding for higher education. So far, strings attached to federal stimulus aid have protected state colleges and universities from deep cuts but the state has asked for permission to cut funding.

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