Nebraska lawmakers approved on Wednesday a package of mid-biennium budget adjustments and a bill authorizing payment of claims against the state.
Facing a projected budget shortfall that grew to more than $646 million earlier this year, the Legislature adopted a series of cuts, fund transfers and reallocations that reduce the gap to about $37 million. Additional revenue proposals still under consideration are expected to close the remaining shortfall.
Lawmakers first voted to suspend a rule requiring budget bills to pass by the 50th day of the session, allowing more time for debate. Wednesday was day 54 of the 60-day session.
The main budget bill, LB1071, introduced by Speaker John Arch on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, passed 35-13 and adjusts appropriations for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Prior to the vote, lawmakers played a April Fools’ Day prank on Arch, at first unanimously voting ‘no’ on the budget before changing their votes to pass the measure.
A companion measure, LB1072, also passed 35-13 and includes transfers from the Cash Reserve Fund along with changes to agency funding and programs.
Lawmakers also approved LB1133 on a 48-0 vote, authorizing roughly $695,000 in settled claims, $1.17 million in workers’ compensation claims and about $2.84 million in agency write-offs.
All three measures take effect immediately. The governor has five days, excluding Sunday, to sign, veto or issue line-item vetoes. Lawmakers can override vetoes with 30 votes.
Read more on these budget adjustments at The Nebraska Examiner.