Nebraska lawmakers have engaged in the first in a series of budget skirmishes as they agree to freeze childcare subsidies for the working poor.

Critics say budget cuts should be found in other areas as the Unicameral deals with a budget forecast to be nearly a billion dollars short of revenue for the next two years.

Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha says the savings are small compared to the budget gap…calling the savings inconsequential. . .

Senator Kate Bolz of Lincoln…vice chair of the Appropriations Committee…says it’s a difficult decision, but a necessary one. . .

State lawmakers will soon be debating the state budget for the next two fiscal years.