Nebraska is getting settlement money from a multi-state agreement with 4 major tobacco companies involving a 10-year dispute over payments. Attorney General Jon Bruning says Monday's settlement gives Nebraska $18 million in 2013 and will ensure future payments. Nebraska has received $300 million from the companies since 2003. The companies agreed in 1998 to pay states more than $200 billion over 25 years to settle lawsuits on health care costs related to smoking. More than a dozen states, including Nebraska, have been in dispute with the companies on payments over the past 10 years. Bruning says $40 million in annual payments were at risk with a continued legal fight.
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