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LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers headed home for good Friday after passing a few last bills, overriding a gubernatorial veto and receiving thanks from the governor.
The budget included a 23% increase in the state's property tax credit fund, which boosted the total to $275 million a year. The credits offset a portion of each property owner's tax bill.
Gov. Pete Ricketts touted the record amount in the fund, but many rural lawmakers had argued for bigger reductions in property taxes. As in past years, they came up empty in their search for a solution that could win majority support.
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The governor fought two major proposals that would have increased sales and other taxes and used the revenue to cut property taxes. They also faced opposition from groups that would have been affected by the increases.Â
In frustration, the rural senators joined with some progressives to sink a new business tax incentive program pushed by state business groups. Nebraska's current incentive program expires at the end of next year.
But the session also saw lawmakers pass 262 bills and two proposed constitutional amendments. They debated all but five of the measures named as priorities.Â
Lawmakers took steps against prison overcrowding by approving the construction of more prison beds and the expansion of problem-solving courts. They put money into health and human services provider rates.
Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer of Norfolk praised colleagues for a long list of accomplishments. “The citizens of Nebraska were well served,” he said.
But Scheer also noted that the session had not been “all blue skies” and there were “too many personal attacks and vilification.” He admonished his colleagues to spend the months before the next session learning to trust and work with each other.
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Nebraska has 49 state senators in the Legislature. Click through to find your state senator and others.
Martha Stoddard keeps legislators honest from The World-Herald's Lincoln bureau, where she covers news from the State Capitol. Follow her on Twitter @StoddardOWH. Phone: 402-473-9583.
How about something that's actually possible? Something revolutionary like average Nebraskans voting for a Governor committed to leading the State in pursuit of the public interest instead. You know, a Governor who seeks reasonable compromises and uses his influence to bring compromise forward. How about that?
Rickets was elected to say "no" and that is all he will be remembered for. Nebraska waits in vain for something remotely resembling leadership. Maybe next election?
I see no signs of an epiphany of Nebraska voters, nor any reason to hope for anything but another corporate lobbyist sitting in the Governor's office. Republicans have hoodwinking the voters of this State down to a fine art. It's sow division, pound some hot button social issue, and yammer about cutting taxes. It works every time.
Please keep it clean, turn off CAPS LOCK and don't threaten
anyone. Be truthful, nice and proactive. And share with us - we
love to hear eyewitness accounts.
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These Legislators are worthless and should resign!
So should the governor.
How about something that's actually possible? Something revolutionary like average Nebraskans voting for a Governor committed to leading the State in pursuit of the public interest instead. You know, a Governor who seeks reasonable compromises and uses his influence to bring compromise forward. How about that?
Rickets was elected to say "no" and that is all he will be remembered for. Nebraska waits in vain for something remotely resembling leadership. Maybe next election?
I see no signs of an epiphany of Nebraska voters, nor any reason to hope for anything but another corporate lobbyist sitting in the Governor's office. Republicans have hoodwinking the voters of this State down to a fine art. It's sow division, pound some hot button social issue, and yammer about cutting taxes. It works every time.
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Please keep it clean, turn off CAPS LOCK and don't threaten anyone. Be truthful, nice and proactive. And share with us - we love to hear eyewitness accounts.