LINCOLN- Gov. Pete Ricketts' decision to reject $120 million from the federal government for rent and utilities assistance prompted criticism Friday from some Omaha-area senators.

State budget director Lee Will fielded questions from legislators and explained Ricketts' rationale in rejecting the American Rescue Plan Act money during a hearing before the Appropriations Committee. Will noted that Nebraska hasn't spent its first installment of emergency rental assistance and said there are concerns about potential fraud.

That contrasted with the message from advocates, who said there is a dire need for help. They would like the governor to reconsider his decision — which, according to Will, puts Nebraska alongside Arkansas as the only two states to leave the money on the table.

That fact did not sit well with some on Friday.

Through the state's current program, struggling renters have been able to get up to a year's worth of back-rent, plus three additional months. Money is sent directly to landlords and utility providers on renters' behalf. The state, Omaha, Lincoln, Douglas County and Lancaster County were all allotted money through the program.

Nebraska received $200 million from the U.S. Treasury for the first round, according to Will: $22.2 million to the City of Omaha, $13.5 million to the City of Lincoln, $4.3 million to Douglas County, $1.4 million to Lancaster County and $158.6 million to the state for aid in the rest of Nebraska.

The state used marketing efforts and other outreach measures to promote the program, Will said. With $44 million still available to Nebraskans outside those four other jurisdictions, the state opted not to take the additional $120 million.

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