Governor Parson says he expects the state will have a shortfall of more than $500-million dollars over the next three months because of the virus.

So he’s cutting spending by almost $180-million across several departments.

Parson says he’s hopeful the state may be able to use another $315-million dollars from the federal government to help with the shortfall.

Parson blocked more than $61 million from going to public four-year colleges and another $11 million intended for community colleges.

State Budget Director Dan Haug says Parson’s action will free up money for the state to spend quickly on ventilators and other scarce supplies.