Nebraska legislators have lowered the budget reserve in an effort to close a budget gap widened further with the latest economic forecast.

Lawmakers have advanced a bill which would lower the reserve from three-percent to two-and-a-half percent; expected to free up 42-Million dollars.

Some lawmakers suggested making deeper cuts to the University of Nebraska budget, a move which would be detrimental to the state, according to Senator Jim Smith of Papillion. . .

Senator Steve Erdman of Bayard contends the budget is built on a too optimistic economic growth projection. . .

Lawmakers have moved the 9(B)Billion dollar two-year state budget into position for passage.