LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The federal government has lifted restrictions on Nebraska child care funding that were put in place because the state failed to comply with numerous reporting requirements.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that the state no longer has to get federal approval before using the money it receives.

The money helps pay for early childhood education initiatives and a child care subsidy program for working, low-income families.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services imposed the restrictions in 2014 because the state repeatedly submitted late and incomplete financial reports. Some of its reports were missing, some claimed unallowable expenses, and some of its expenses weren’t properly documented.

Courtney Phillips, the Nebraska department’s CEO, says the state took steps to become more accountable and transparent.