OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will use its $1.1 billion share of federal coronavirus money to help small businesses, local governments, nonprofits and other groups hard-hit by the pandemic. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts provided a first glimpse of the state’s plan, which focuses heavily on small businesses and unemployment insurance for laid-off workers.

 Nebraska will receive $1.25 billion under the federal CARES Act, the emergency law passed to help Americans with the pandemic. 

Of that amount, Omaha’s Douglas County will get $166 million for its own virus-related expenses, reducing the state government’s cut to about $1.1 billion.

 Ricketts says he intends to hire outside auditors to track the huge influx of money and ensure that it doesn’t get misspent.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will use its $1.1 billion share of federal coronavirus money to help small businesses, local governments, nonprofits and other groups hard-hit by the pandemic. Gov. Pete Ricketts provided a first glimpse of the state’s plan, which focuses heavily on small businesses and unemployment insurance for laid-off workers. Nebraska will receive $1.25 billion under the federal CARES Act, the emergency law passed to help Americans with the pandemic. Of that amount, Omaha’s Douglas County will get $166 million for its own virus-related expenses, reducing the state government’s cut to about $1.1 billion. Ricketts says he intends to hire outside auditors to track the huge influx of money and ensure that it doesn’t get misspent.

Ricketts outlines plans for $1.1 billion in coronavirus aid