Ricketts said he does not believe a new round of federal assistance supported by Democratic congressional leadership is needed in Nebraska, but he embraced a proposal by Republican Rep. Don Bacon that would give states some flexibility to use already appropriated funds to "fill revenue gaps" if needed. That would be "a great compromise," the Republican governor said, and it could avoid "an additional round of spending" when the federal government is piling up huge budget deficits and increasing the national debt. Ricketts will send $40 million of the already appropriated federal funding into expanded broadband access in 41 rural communities by the end of the year. And, the governor said, he plans to fund workforce retraining for 12,000 students while directing $20 million to community collaboratives, $85 million to community support organizations and $20 million to community shelter and housing programs. Grants will go to livestock producers as well as small businesses.

Source: Daily Sun May 27, 2020 20:53 UTC