Areas protected from budget cuts are direct funding for elementary and secondary education, money for higher education core programs and the state's prison system.

Wednesday the state made $204 million in cuts. In total, the governor has cut about $634 million since July.

"These cuts are very challenging," State Budget Director Linda Luebbering said.  "We've made a lot of cuts already. Every time we have to do that, it's a little more challenging."

Fifteen departments will see less money. These departments include the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Economic Development, the Departments of Secondary and Higher Education and the Office of Administration. The cuts come now as the state faces a 10 percent decrease in state revenue compared to last year.

A Nixon representative said Wednesday's cuts will help equalize the shortfall.