Gov. Robert Bentley Friday declared proration of 10.6 percent for the state General Fund for non-education services, cutting budgeted spending by $188 million because of a shortfall in expected revenues.

The spending cut will affect Medicaid and agencies over public health and mental health, among many other state boards and agencies.

”We have pursued every possible option in order to avoid proration; however, this step must be taken,” state Finance Director Marquita Davis said in a written statement.”

”While proration is difficult, it is necessary to balance the budget, which is constitutionally required in Alabama,” she said.