Lawmakes list options for state cuts

How will Nebraska close its projected $986 million budget gap over the next two years? Nebraska’s state senators submitted their ideas for prospective budget cuts on Dec. 16. The 69-page document lists a wide range of potential money-saving measures, including delaying equipment purchases to staff and funding cuts to various state programs. Some of the recommendations made by the committee include eliminating the $500,000 general fund for tourism promotion, eliminating a planned NET broadcast facility in Omaha and ending a 75 percent tuition reimbursement for members of the National Guard. The appropriations committee will hold public hearings before submitting a budget proposal in May. The two-year budget takes effect July 1.