LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska corrections officials are still trying to fill many of the open jobs in the state prison system to ease a chronic staffing shortage.

Department of Correctional Services human resources administrator Erinn Criner says the agency is making progress, but officials are competing for a small pool of applicants.

Part of the challenge stems from Nebraska’s strong economy and low unemployment rate, which makes it easier for workers to find better-paying private sector jobs.

Entry-level corrections officers generally make a little more than $15 an hour. Union officials say a lack of longevity pay also makes it harder to keep experienced staffers.

Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse introduced a bill last week that would provide another $2.5 million to recruit and retain staff.