LINCOLN- A $9.7 billion two-year state budget was wrapped up by the Appropriations Committee Wednesday. The plan holds the line on ongoing state spending while also leaving about $390 million for other legislative priorities. The priorities could include tax cut bills advanced by the Revenue Committee or the governor's plan to expand broadband access. The budget provides for state spending growth averaging 1.5% for the two-year period that ends in late June 2023.

The state was able to keep spending growth lower than normal because of one-time factors such as higher federal match for Medicaid, federal coronavirus relief and lower-than-expected school aid increase. Chairman of the committee, Sen. John Stinner of Gering plans to tie up the loose ends with the governor next week.

The budget includes major items such as the new program for property owners can get income tax refunds to offset part of their school property taxes, annual increases in payment for health and human services providers and a 2% annual boost in state support of the University of Nebraska system.

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