INCOLN, 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. Traditionally, agencies are only asked to identify cuts totaling 5 percent.
The state collected roughly $4.3 billion in the fiscal year that ended June 30, which is $95 million less than expected. Ricketts said the situation was “not a crisis,” but noted it was important to identify places to cut in case the budget outlook worsens.
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http://fremonttribune.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/nebraska-state-agencies-brace-for-possible-budget-crunch/article_dfaa3fd9-7f6a-5d5f-a5cc-a3fde42ab9a8.html
