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SURVEY-BUDGET SHORTFALL
LINCOLN—Most Nebraska state lawmakers support dipping into the state’s record-sized cash reserve account should the slowing economy cause a multimillion dollar budget shortfall as expected. Nebraska is one of just a handful of states not in the midst of a state budget crisis. But government fiscal analysts say that over the next two fiscal years the state could fall $377 million short of meeting a budget requirement. It mandates that the state have a budget cushion equal to least 3 percent of total, planned spending during the two-year budget cycle. By Nate Jenkins.
AP Photo NENH115.
MELTDOWN-JUVENILE JUSTICE
COLUMBIA, S.C.—State budget cuts are forcing some of the nation’s youngest criminals out of counseling programs and group homes and into juvenile prisons in what critics contend is a shortsighted move that will eventually lead to more crime and higher costs. Nebraska is among the states that have not slashed its budget for dealing with juvenile offenders. By Jim Davenport.
AP Graphic STATE BUDGET GAPS.
With:
— BC-MELTDOWN-JUVENILE JUSTICE-GLANCE
EAGER VOLUNTEER
FREMONT—Sue Strong sits calm and confident in the living room of the home she shares with husband, Dave. She is surrounded by pictures of people she loves and objects that bring her joy. She is a picture of balance and peace. This consummate volunteer has mastered the art of serving her school, her church and her community. Nebraskaland Feature By Betsy Hansen, Fremont Tribune.
With:
— BC-NE-XGR–SURVEY-BUDGET SHORTFALL-QUESTIONS
SPORTS:
GATOR-HUSKERS ARRIVE
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Looking to finish Bo Pelini’s first year as head coach with a ninth win, Nebraska arrives in Jacksonville to begin on-site preparations for its Gator Bowl game against Clemson. Developing from 5:15 p.m. CST arrival.
T25-BOWL PICKS-PART II
UNDATED—As many bowl games will be played on New Year’s Eve as on New Year’s Day. Three bowls are scheduled for Jan. 2 and the Fiesta Bowl will be played Jan. 5. Nebraska is favored to beat Clemson 34-24 in the Gator Bowl. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo.
AP Graphic FBC BOWL PICKS.
ALSO GETTING ATTENTION:
— OMAHA SHOOTINGS—A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the shooting of two men in an apartment building near downtown Omaha.
— UNK BAND-VATICAN—The University of Nebraska at Kearney band will play in the Vatican’s New Year’s Day parade for the second time in four years.
— JAIL BATHROOM—Custer County officials are trying to sort out an ownership issue involving a restroom at the county jail.
— PATROL RETIREMENT—The assistant superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol will retire Wednesday after 29 years with the patrol as an officer and commander.
The AP, Omaha.
