Nebraska Lawmakers Advance New $8.8 Billion State Budget

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers gave initial approval Tuesday to a proposed $8.8 billion two-year budget despite major disagreements over funding for the University of Nebraska and family-planning services, including Planned Parenthood.

Lawmakers advanced all three of the budget measures that make up the package, even as many senators raised concerns that state officials are relying too much on their emergency cash reserve. Two additional votes are required before the bills go to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

The package would balance the state’s finances through a combination of spending cuts, recl...