LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have voted to expand a popular tax credit for investors in high-tech startup companies.

Senators gave the measure first-round approval on Tuesday with a 25-0 vote. The bill by Sen. John Stinner of Scottsbluff would increase the amount of money available from $3 million a year to $4 million. Stinner says the program has won strong support from the business community.

The incentive program is aimed at so-called “angel investors” who provide capital for risky, undeveloped businesses, often involving new technology. In Nebraska, the tax credits have gone to software publishers in Omaha, data processing and surgical supply companies in Lincoln and a winery in Pawnee City, among others.

Two additional votes are required before the bill goes to Gov. Pete Ricketts.