NE: 'It was a fistfight': Lawmakers pass major state budget bills after almost forcing government shutdown

Omaha World-Herald: LINCOLN — A budget protest gone awry added drama to the Nebraska Legislature’s passage of an $8.9 billion state budget package Tuesday.

Opponents had intended only to demonstrate concern about state spending levels.

Instead, they came close to forcing a government shutdown by leaving a key budget bill short of votes.

The bill ultimately passed 36-12, with one senator abstaining, followed by passage of the main budget bill.

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