COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The state's technical college system is eliminating 22 positions from the Columbia office because of state budget cuts.

The State newspaper reported Tuesday that 16 workers will lose their jobs next month. Six vacant positions also are being eliminated.

The 16-school system's budget is being cut by more than 14 percent because of state revenue shortfalls. The Columbia headquarters is losing $2 million.

Communications director Kelly Steinhilper says the cuts and furloughs will cover the reductions at the Columbia office, which has about 100 workers. Steinhilper says individual schools will also have to make cuts.

------

Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)