Inside Nebraska’s budget: Why the state faces structural deficit after $1B surplus

By: Erin Bamer

Outlets: Nebraska Examiner

Published: March 18, 2026

Words: 2,630

Last Updated: 2 days, 17 hours ago

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LINCOLN — Within the last two years, the outlook of Nebraska’s financial health has taken a U-turn from having a near $2 billion surplus to now facing a structural deficit that could last years.

Lawmakers are in the midst of debating proposed budget adjustments to fill a projected deficit that grew to $646 million. Last year, the Legislature formed the two-year budget and filled a separate deficit.

Combining both years, lawmakers will have dealt …

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