LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have passed a funding boost for college and university facilities, behavioral health programs and the state’s beleaguered prison system.

Lawmakers approved the spending items Thursday as part of the new state budget.

Appropriations Committee Chairman Heath Mello of Omaha says the $8.7 billion budget package fulfills state obligations and invests in long-term projects. The plan would allow new construction on levee systems surrounding Offutt Air Force Base and provide $1.5 million for pay increases at the short-staffed Department of Correctional Services.

The sole dissenter on one of the bills, Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion, has said the state should be more frugal with its spending.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has five days to act on the bills.