LINCOLN- Only days after Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an updated budget he characterized as "fiscally sound," his office directed state agencies to make $280 million in cuts. This sentiment is a part of Pillen's property tax reform plan, and the savings would help make up for his intention to take on K-12 school funding. The governor is following up on his plan to make major budget cuts at the state level by directing 14 agencies to contribute to making these budget cuts.

Many were fairly surprised at the decision, noting its unprecedented nature. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have voiced that they were not informed of the governor's intentions ahead of time. Some senators have celebrated the decision to save money, while others are outraged and believe that the move was made to circumvent any opposition.

Director of Nebraska's State Budget, Lee Will, sent an email to state agencies outlining Pillen's plans for budget cuts in the current and next fiscal years. He noted that they were looking for state agencies that were bloated or already not spending the entirety of their budget. The governor's office aims to save $525 million in the two fiscal years and reduce ongoing spending by $350 million according to Will.

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