LINCOLN- The state received its share of federal CARES Act money in April 2020, and it had a simple goal for the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

“We wanted to make sure we could get as much money to as many entities as we could,” said Lucas Martin, a state budget management analyst.

Fast forward and the review of the programs implemented show impressive numbers. The state had fielded more than 35,000 applications and — over two rounds of funding — awarded $775 million to 30,000 recipients, in amounts large and small. Nader Farahbod, the owner and chef at Billy's Restaurant, a statehouse hangout, used part of his $12,000 restaurant stabilization grant to stock up on supplies, too.

“I’ve never used so many Styrofoam and aluminum containers to put food in,” the owner of Billy’s Restaurant said. Before the pandemic, Billy’s had tables in every corner, and it filled them. More than 100 people might come for a meal, he said. Lunch alone would draw dozens. But now the bulk of his business is carryout. “We went from selling $60 bottles of wine to handing out cans of Cokes,” he said.

“There’s a lot of places in Nebraska that may still be open because of these programs.”

A full list of recipients can be found by clicking HERE

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