The state Board of Regents has approved a $1.85 billion budget proposal after about 20 students were ejected from the meeting for protesting additional planned cuts to the university system.

The budget ok'd by the Regents on Tuesday plans for an overall 2 percent reduction as ordered by Gov. Nathan Deal.

The Regents are also seeking a $298 million request for capital projects.

The proposed spending plan for the fiscal year 2013 would invest $7.2 million into the expansion of medical education.

The $34.8 million in proposed budget cuts will be achieved largely through maintaining open positions and the attrition of personnel, along with delaying equipment purchases and maintenance.

Twenty students were escorted out of the meeting after protesting yet another round of university cuts, chanting "chop from the top."

Tags: state Board of Regents