LINCOLN- During the his daily press conference last Wednesday, Governor Ricketts announced how he intends the state to spend the federal CARES dollars distributed to Nebraska. Please note that below is a general outline of what has been announced, and we are happy to answer any questions. More information can be expected in regards to many of these programs/actions in the coming days and weeks.

The total package of $1.25 billion in relief to Nebraska, is planned to be distributed into the following categories below. To view the entire powerpoint presented by the governor, please click HERE.

GOVERNMENTS: $180 MILLION

State Government $80million

Local Governments $100million

- Dollars will be for reimbursement of direct costs associated with COVID including PPE, overtime, sanitizing spaces, dedicated payroll for COVID public safety employees.

- Counties, in order to be eligible, must have 'business as usual' by June 8th (open public offices and services)

COMMUNITY CARES PROGRAM: $85 MILLION

Being established by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

- Behavioral Health Regions $5million

- Community Collaboratives $20million

- Providers/Non-Profits demonstrating increased demand and lower donations $40million

- Shelters/Housing $20million

SMALL BUSINESSES/LIVESTOCK STABILIZATION: $392 MILLION

Distributed in $12K grants to all qualified

- Small businesses between 5-49 employees

- Livestock operations between 1-10 employees

REMOTE ACCESS, WORKFORCE RETRAINING, GALLUP: $62 MILLION

Rural broadband development $40million

- Impacting 26,285 households in 41 communities of 1K-5K in population

Workforce Retraining $16million

- $1.1K grants for students (up to 12K total)

- Career Coaches/Admin/Faculty $2.4million

Gallup Training $1million

UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND: $427 MILLION