The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has set up a new local number for Lincoln people to call when applying for or checking on public assistance such as food stamps and Medicaid.
The new number goes into effect on Friday. It will be 402-323-3900 for Lincoln residents only so they won't use a toll-free number.
The agency says the change will save the state about $300,000 a year.
The agency is studying whether to change to a local number for Omaha-area people, which would save the state even more money.
