LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has vetoed $56.5 million in state spending during the next two years.

Ricketts said Monday the cuts are a thoughtful and measured approach to continued declines in revenue. He says the Legislature relied on gimmicks to balance the budget instead of making difficult cuts.

His changes will cut 0.5 percent from most state agencies. The Department of Correctional Services, K-12 education and the property tax credit relief fund would not be affected.

Ricketts also reduced the amount transferred from a highway fund to avoid increasing the state’s gas tax.

Senators need 30 votes to override a veto.