LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has signed into law a measure that will offer state employees additional health care options.

The Legislature passed the measure 42-2, and Ricketts signed it Friday.

State employees will be able to opt into the Direct Primary Care pilot program and pay one recurring fee for a variety of primary care visits. Insurance could also be purchased to cover additional services, like hospital visits.

The pilot program begins in 2019 and will run through 2021.

The measure also allows insurance companies to incentivize patients to shop around to find the lowest cost for upcoming procedures.

Supporters say direct primary care allows doctors and patients to form better relationships and take control of their health care.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Advocates for low-income families in Nebraska are criticizing proposed changes to the federal Farm Bill that would require food-stamp recipients to find a job or attend job-training classes.

Advocates say an estimated 176,000 Nebraska residents receive food assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

They say more than 75 percent of the state’s recipients are children, and 27 percent are in families which have people with disabilities. Additionally, they say recipients most commonly work in service, office or production jobs with wages below the state average.

James Goddard of Nebraska Appleseed says the bill would result in drastic cuts to SNAP and take food away from thousands who struggle to afford basic meals.

Congressional Republicans who drafted the legislation say it’s designed to help people recover from hard times.

The North Platte Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for North Platte Public School seniors. The Engdahl family has established the Jeff Engdahl memorial Golf Scholarship in memory of their son Jeff, who died in March after a courageous battle with cancer.

The Jeff Engdahl Memorial Golf Scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior boy or girl who has lettered in Golf and plans to continue his or her education.

Jeff was a 1990 graduate of North Platte High School who had an incredible passion for golf. He excelled at both the high school and college levels. The family wishes to award this gift to a student who possesses the same talents, passion and drive that Jeff had for the game.

This year’s recipient is Kyle Zimbelman, son of Nicki Henry and Douglas Zimbelman, who plans to pursue his education at the University of Nebraska and play collegiate golf.

Through the generosity of many donors, the North Platte Public Schools Foundation provides more than $330,000 in scholarships annually for graduates of North Platte High School. If you have any questions regarding scholarships at the North Platte Public Schools Foundation or would like to make a donation to the Jeff Engdahl Memorial Golf Scholarship, please contact the Foundation at 308-696-3325 or visit our website at nppsf.org