Nebraska Legislators restore spending cuts, raise taxes.

• Position: News Briefs

The unicameral Nebraska Legislature in April restored $44 million of spending vetoed by the governor and increased taxes to raise an additional $140 million to balance the state's fiscal 2002-2003 budget. Nebraska is facing an estimated biennial budget shortfall of $114 million following earlier spending cuts. Legislative Bill 1085 will increase the state's sales tax from 5 percent to 5.5 percent while extending its reach to items like software training, refractory materials, and...