LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Low-income families that receive government aid to care for children could see an increase in payments under a bill advanced by Nebraska lawmakers.

Senators gave the measure first-round approval on Wednesday with a 26-21 vote.

The bill by Sen. Kathy Campbell of Lincoln would also minimize the so-called cliff effect, which eliminates payments for recipients when their incomes grow beyond a certain point. Advocates say the cliff effect reduces the incentive for recipients to seek a raise at work or a higher-paying job.

Under current law, a family of two gets $293 a month plus $71 for each additional person. Formula changes under the bill would increase the average payment by $112 a month.

The increase would cost $10.5 million annual in federal money.