CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons' directive to Nevada government agencies to produce budget cut plans of up to 14 percent is being questioned by the state Assembly's Democratic speaker and by top educators.

Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said such budget
cuts would be impossible to implement. She described the budget
scenario as "a train wreck waiting to happen."

The heads of the state's largest school districts also questioned the planning. Clark County School Superintendent Walt Rulffes said such reductions would "wreak havoc" on local schools, and Washoe County Superintendent Paul Dugan called them "more than just a giant step backwards."

Dan Klaich, the state university system's executive vice chancellor, said the suggested cuts are "breathtaking in their amount" and signal "a much deeper and more permanent cut in all services in the State of Nevada, including education."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)