Gov. Chet Culver will sign an executive order making an across-the-board reduction in state’s General Fund, a move expected to save Iowa $91.4 million, he announced this afternoon.

Only corrections officers and state troopers will remain unscathed, with layoffs likely and cuts affecting education and Medicaid.

“We are in the midst of an economic challenge that is historic in its scope,” Culver said, adding: “We are all facing this challenge together. And together, we must accept the reality and share in the sacrifice.”

The three-member Revenue Estimating Conference said last week that the state will have $99.5 million less in revenue than was projected in October.

Culver has already announced $77 million in cuts prior to today’s announcment.

In a joint statement, House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque, and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Des Moines, praised Culver’s announcement.

Gov. Culver took appropriate action today. Given the national recession is deepening and having an impact on the state budget, there is no choice but to make mid-year budget corrections. These are challenging times. Iowa families are tightening their belts and the state must do the same. We will continue to work with Governor Culver and all House members in January to keep the state’s fiscal house in order.

Below are the figures released by Culver of the recent cuts and changes to the budget:

Announced Dec. 9

Freeze on Out-of-State Travel, Filling of Vacancies, and Equipment Purchases and savings from Judicial Branch, Legislature, and the Regents:
$28.0 million

Transfers from Alcoholic Beverages Division and Executive Council:
$12.0 million

De-appropriation of New State Office Building:
$37.0 million

Total: $77.0 million

Announced today

1.5 percent Across-the-Board Reduction:
$91.4 million

Transfer of Funds
$10.0 million

Total: $101.4 million

Total Budget Savings: $178.4 million