Tension in the Chamber As the Nebraska Legislature adjourned Friday, an extraordinary scene ensued in the Legislative Chamber. The dispute was as much about legislative process as substance. The scene began when Senator Murante introduced a motion on Senator McCollister’s LB350 to return that bill from Final Reading to Select
The Fish Bowl The thick glass wall that separates the George Norris Legislative Chamber from the Capitol Rotunda creates an almost zoo-like like atmosphere, giving everyone an opportunity to witness what is happening in the other “dimension,” but also creating mystery and intrigue. Lobbyists watch Senators move around the Chamber,
The Clock Ticks The Legislature’s agenda for the next two months will soon be a lot clearer as the clock ticks on priority bill designations. Most bills brought before the Legislature do not make it to home plate (football season is over, so time to switch up the sports metaphors)
Legislating: Sometimes it’s like Football Ever watch a football team lose a game because the coaches mismanaged the clock? Similar misfortunes can happen in the game of legislating. When votes are tight and opposition to a bill is strong enough to derail it, senators and staff try to make the
What’s Recess? On scheduled recess days, like today, the business of the Nebraska Legislature continues. Legislative staffers take the opportunity to catch up on their tasks and get ready for the hearings and floor debates ahead. Senators have meetings and lobbyists continue twisting arms and making their cases. In fact,
Hear Ye, Hear Ye With the ten-day window for bill introductions now at a close, and the legislative agenda laid out for all to see, the Capitol has turned its primary focus to the hearing schedule. The clock ticks fast for senators and staff as they often have to juggle
The Elephant in the Room As a proposed ban on elephant and rhinoceros ivory sales failed to advance in the George Norris legislative chamber last week, it was perhaps symbolic of another big elephant looming in the shadows – tax cuts. The Governor outlined a plan in his state of
That’s a Wrap
The 105th Legislature, 1st session came to an end much as it started, with plenty of crossed arms and entrenched feet. A lengthy rules debate over the number of votes needed for a filibuster occupied much of the first two months of session before a compromise was finally reached. A “gang of 27” that held up the rules in the early part of session joined back up again at the end to force budget cuts that progressives considered draconian because of their impact on vulnerable people. However, nestled between the periods of deep political polarization, Coalition members had much to cheer and much to breathe sighs of relief over in a session that may be remembered as much for what didn’t happen as what did. Following are just some of the most significant highlights of the session.
Budget and Taxes
Based on ever-worsening revenue shortfalls, budget cuts were inevitable this session. Coalition members worked throughout the session to protect funding for our state’s children and families. In the end, the Governor line-item vetoed an additional $56.5 million out of the budget, aimed at low-income Nebraskans with developmental disabilities and mental health problems, child welfare and probation services. The Legislature couldn’t find the 30 votes needed for an override.
The Omaha World Herald has a piece about how the Governor’s heavy spending in legislative races in 2016 paid off for him in the veto override votes. Keep a watch on continued budget battles as the Governor may call a special session later this year if revenue continues to fall below projections.
