The economic crisis is causing local and state government leaders to deal with severe budgeting problems in 2009. Also affected are public schools and higher education.

Below is a summary of what government and education leaders are dealing with.

State of Kansas: The state is facing a growing budget gap approaching $200 million. A bill pushed by House Republicans would reduce spending by $305 million. But debate over spending cuts, in particular cuts to public schools, continues.

City of Lawrence: Lawrence city commissioners are trying to accommodate a state proposal to cut $1.1 million in funds earmarked for the city. A series of cuts have been proposed, and only one — closing Prairie Park Nature Center — has been rejected by commissioners.

Other proposals include eliminating the school crossing-guard program; laying off three full-time employees in the human relations division; a host of cuts to social service agencies, youth organizations and art programs; elimination of programs that include city band concerts in South Park, youth bicycle program and CPR training; reducing hours at community centers and swimming programs; and closing the South Park wading pool.

Douglas County: County commissioners froze the annual 1 percent raise for county employees. Also under consideration is freezing merit raises for more than 300 employees in 2009.

County leaders are concerned about decreases in revenue from property and sales taxes. The county appraiser’s office is finding that the values of 94 percent of residential properties is staying the same or declining. The county also may have to deal with a state funding cut of about $450,000.

Lawrence public schools: The school board will have to decide whether to approve a recommendation to close Lawrence Virtual Secondary Program because of financial hardships and slow-growing enrollment. The school district is waiting to see whether and how much the state might cut school funding.

Kansas University: To meet state budget restrictions, Kansas University intends to eliminate 11 jobs and not fill 110 open positions. The reductions are expected to be sufficient to meet $10.8 million in cuts mandated by the Legislature for 2010.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the Lawrence Virtual School may close. It’s actually the school’s secondary school program that may be closed.