Nebraska lawmakers reject $50 million proposal to increase tobacco taxes

Lawmakers send budget to floor with $125 million gap

Nebraska lawmakers advanced the budget bills to the floor, but the work to close the state's largest bud‑ get shortfall since 2017 is still far from done.

Nebraska lawmakers reject $50 million proposal to increase tobacco taxes

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers turned down an opportunity to lower the state’s projected budget deficit by up to $50 million with increased taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Legislative Bill 1124 failed to advance to a second round of…

Nebraska lawmakers send budget to floor with $125 million gap

The Appropriations Committee cut spending and tapped reserves, yet Nebraska’s budget still faces a significant shortfall as it heads to the floor.

Nebraska lawmakers advance main budget adjustments to floor debate, leaving $125 million deficit

A pair of budget bills in the Nebraska Legislature officially moved toward floor debate, but lawmakers still must close a projected budget deficit.

Trust fund protection advances

Nebraska lawmakers sent a bill to the floor Tues'26 day barring the Legislature from pulling money from the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund to balance budget deficits.

Nebraska Lawmakers Propose $130 Million Transfer From Cash Reserve To Help Close Budget Gap

State Sens. Rob Clements of Elmwood, Paul Strommen of Sidney and Myron Dorn of Sidney (from left), Feb. 2, 2026. (Zach Wendling / Nebraska Examiner) By Erin BamerNebraska ExaminerLINCOLN — After new economic forecasts grew Nebraska’s projected budget deficit by roughly $175 million, lawmakers turned to the state’s rainy day fund to help fill the gap. The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee voted 8-0 Friday to recommend pulling $130 million f…