LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lawmakers have reached a compromise over how to split millions of dollars in Nebraska Lottery money for education grants and programs.
Senators advanced a new funding distribution bill Thursday with a 34-0, first-round vote. Lawmakers changed the original measure to ensure K through 12 schools received a larger percentage of the money.
The largest recipient under the bill is the Nebraska Opportunity Grant program, which provides financial aid to low-income college students. K to 12 schools would receive millions for "innovation grants."
Lottery revenue varies by year, depending on ticket sales. Nebraska will have an estimated $27.7 million available in fiscal 2017 and $17.8 million the following year.
Senator Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids, chairwoman of the Education Committee, says lawmakers plan to study college affordability later this year.
The bill is LB519.
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