BUDGET BILLS PASS WITH WORK STILL NEEDED TO FILL PROJECTED DEFICIT

LINCOLN — Lawmakers passed the final adjustments to Nebraska’s two-year budget Wednesday, with several revenue-raising bills passing later that morning that will help fill the state’s projected deficit. The Nebraska Legislature passed Legislative Bills 1071 and 1072 on separate 35-13 votes.

Both bills now go to Gov. Jim Pillen’s desk to be considered for line-item vetoes before being finalized. Pillen congratulated lawmakers Wednesday for passing the budget, saying the overall package “reflects incredible progress for common sense fiscal conservatism.”

 Combined, both budget bills include a collection of cuts, changes and cash transfers expected to bring the deficit down to roughly $38 million, with several revenue-generating bills passing shortly after that lawmakers have said they hope to use to close the gap.

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