LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will face substantial budget challenges in next year's legislative session, but some are wary of draining too much from their rainy-day fund to cover state expenses.
Members of the Appropriations Committee say they're likely to draw some money from the cash reserve to balance the budget, but they also want to keep emergency cash available in case state revenue remains sluggish.
Nebraska is projected to have roughly $630 million in its cash reserve by June 2019, but faces a projected shortfall of $911 million.
Sen. Kate Bolz of Lincoln says lawmakers need to be cautious to ensure state spending remains sustainable.
Sen. John Stinner of Gering says that if the downturn worsens, state officials may need to tap the cash reserve again in the future.
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