LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state agencies are bracing for a possible budget crunch that could mean less maintenance at state parks, fewer law enforcement officers and a slower response to livestock disease outbreaks.
The potential consequences are outlined in a series of budget requests submitted to lawmakers and Gov. Pete Ricketts, who have said they may have to cut spending as state revenues dwindle.
Ricketts announced in July that he had ordered state agencies to analyze how they would handle an 8 percent budget cut so that he and lawmakers would know where to trim if needed.
Ricketts and state senators say the directive was made in an abundance of caution. No one knows whether revenues will continue to fall short of projections. New revenue estimates will be set in October.
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