Capitol Fly on the Wall
Minimum Wage Restrictions Advanced, University Fights for Funding University Pleads Against Cuts, Revised Budget Forecast Slightly Rosier
Early last week, all eyes were on the Appropriations Committee as the University of Nebraska geared up to plead its case against Gov. Pillen’s and the committee’s proposed 2% cut to its budget. The University System had requested a 3.5% increase for this budget cycle; instead, it’s on the chopping
Budget Proposals Taking Shape, Competing Time-Change Proposals Advance
Week of February 24, 2025 Dueling Time Change Bills Advance A victor has not yet been declared in the legislative “Time War” between Sen. Hunt’s and Sen. Murman’s competing clock changing proposals, as legislators voted to advance both bills to Select File last week. It was an engaging debate to watch
Ongoing Fight for Consumer Rights, New Attempt to Restrict Abortions, Proposed Policies Would Privilege Corporations
Week of February 17, 2025 As morning floor debate has for the most part chugged steadily along, some have observed a trend emerging in a handful of bills which have been subject to more debate and scrutiny thus far this session: multiple conservative-backed measures that progressives say attempt to tip
Winner-Take All Lacks Key Swing Vote; Anti-Trans Bill Receives Massive Opposition
Week of February 10, 2025 Speaker Arch said last week he’s pleased with the efficient progress the body has been making with advancing bills, allowing for a few later-morning starts due to their getting through much of what’s been available to tackle on the worksheet. That’s likely to change soon:
Winner-Take-All Draws Massive Opposition; New Chief Justice Calls for Funding Improvements
Week of February 3, 2025 Winner Take All Mostly OpposedOn Thursday, the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs committee held its first high-profile, nationally-watched hearing of the year on two proposals to convert Nebraska’s split presidential electoral vote allocation system into one in which the “winner takes all” like 48 of our fellow
Rule Changes Largely Averted, Pillen Immigration Order Causes Concern
Week of January 27, 2025 After last week’s hearing on 24 proposals, the Rules committee advanced only two low-stakes changes: one allowing for committees’ appointment reports to be considered by the body all at once in a group rather than individually if they all have the same recommendation, and the
Rule Proposals Push for Partisanship, Pillen Unveils Budget Plan
Week of January 20, 2025 In one of his first public appearances since being severely injured in a horse riding accident last month, Governor Pillen returned to the legislative chamber Wednesday to deliver his State of the State Address. An annual early-session tradition, the speech generally serves as an opportunity for
Return of the Capitol Fly
Week of January 13, 2025 The 109th legislature has begun, and the stage has been set for it to look markedly different from recent sessions. With 17 new senators sworn in, the departure of certain termed-out members who were crusaders for their signature issues, and shakeups in leadership and committee