Federal court records say Randy Kirby was sentenced last week and ordered to pay restitution of more than $130,000.

Prosecutors say Kirby operated a mental health practice called Transitions Counseling. Prosecutors say that between September 2013 and September 2016, Kirby submitted to Nebraska Medicaid false claims for reimbursement for services that he couldn’t show he’d rendered.

He pleaded guilty last October.

The state’s $7 million Rural Workforce Housing Fund gives nonprofit development organizations matching grants to construct or rehabilitate housing in rural parts of the state.

The goal is to create housing options for middle-income workers who don’t qualify for other housing assistance programs but don’t have enough for a down payment.

Adrian and Maria Ruiz were renting a home in Emerson as they struggled to find housing eight miles away in Wakefield, where Adrian Ruiz works. The couple was finally able to purchase a $185,000 home in Wakefield after receiving a no-interest loan through the program, which helped them afford the down payment needed for the three-bedroom home.

“It’s just a great feeling now being part of the community of Wakefield,” Adrian Ruiz said. “Now maybe we can give something back.”

Officials in Wakefield and nearby Wayne said the area lacks homes in the $80,000 to $150,000 range. Many workers have to commute from other cities, which makes it difficult for employers to retain workers.

“We’ve had employers tell us that the retention rate would be higher if there was more housing here,” said Megan Weaver, executive director of the Wayne Community Housing Development Corporation, which applied for the housing grant and administers it. “In these small communities, if you don’t have some kind of incentive for people to live here, they’re going to go live somewhere else.”

The two cities have raised $750,000 in local matching funds for the housing program. Three other homes are planned to be built in Wakefield, along with four rehabilitation projects. A triplex has been constructed in Wayne, and two single-family homes are being planned.

Lawmakers on Wednesday voted 25-22 against a proposed legislative rule that would have changed the current practice of choosing leaders by a secret ballot.

Sen. Mike Groene, of North Platte, says he introduced the measure because it promotes transparency. Groene argues that the secret vote runs afoul of the state constitution.

Opponents say making the votes public would increase outside partisan pressure in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. The Legislature is dominated by registered Republicans, but Democrats have still been able to win some chairmanships in recent years.

Conservative state senators have raised the issue several times in recent years to force a vote that shows where all state lawmakers stand.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen said Wednesday that the current vote-counting machines are still accurate and secure, but replacement parts to fix them have become scarce and better equipment is now available.

The secretary of state’s office requested funding for the machines in a budget proposal to Gov. Pete Ricketts, who in turn recommended it to the Legislature earlier this month.

Evnen says the machines will help ensure that Nebraska’s elections remain secure, reliable and accurate. If lawmakers approve funding, county officials will receive new equipment and training prior to the May 2020 statewide primary election.

Evnen’s comments echo concerns raised by his predecessor, former Secretary of State John Gale.