Hundreds of Pa. students protest proposed cuts

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Athletes from Lock Haven University ran about 100 miles overnight to join a massive protest in the state capital against proposed cuts in higher education.

About three dozen students ran in shifts for 13 hours or so beginning Sunday night from their central Pennsylvania campus. Students say they ran between 10 and 17 miles each in sub-freezing temperatures.

This morning, they arrived in Harrisburg for a raucous rally with hundreds of sign-waving students on the steps of the Capitol. The protest coincided with a legislative hearing where educators pleaded for additional funding.

Republican Gov. Tom Corbett says the proposed cuts of up to 50 percent are needed to close a multibillion-dollar budget gap.

University officials say the losses would mean layoffs, higher tuition and fewer programs.