LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are sparring over a budget package that includes new spending for property tax reductions, education, prison programs and dental services.

Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said Thursday that the proposal reflects the values of Nebraskans. Mello says the current budget would hold annual increases at 3.1 percent, one of the lowest rates in three decades.

Several senators criticized an $8 million appropriation for a dental services, workers and equipment. Lawmakers took issue with the proposal because it could benefit Creighton University — a Catholic university in Omaha.

Lawmakers kicked off their debate as the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted an uptick in state revenue. In a statement, Gov Pete Ricketts says the new projection shows that tax relief “is well within reach.”