Creating Solutions Together

Mother of All Bills

LB 461, the grand tax reform MOAB, turned out to be a dud. Governor Ricketts and Revenue Committee chair, Jim Smith, were all over this one. But, when put to senators for a vote, their count was six noses short.

Who didn’t vote for MOAB?  All the Democrats (duh) and 5 Republicans. Three of those party unfaithful (Groene, Baker and McCollister) had best hitch-up their britches if running for reelection next year.

Select File debate on the budget bills went as expected. Conservatives pounded their chests for less spending. Progressives pled for spending on education and social issues. Most appropriation bills are on Final Reading and should hit the Governor’s in box this week.

THE DILEMMA: State revenue may be $1.1B short of state spending for the next two years.

THE LEGISLATURE’S PLAN: Cut spending by $700M. Sweep $230M from cash funds laying around in agency budgets.  Swipe $170M from the State Rainy Day Fund.

THE GOVERNOR’S PLAN: Cut spending by $820M. Sweep $230M from cash funds laying around in agency budgets.

THE SOLUTION: Senators send plan to the Governor. He vetoes. More meetings.Group hug.

Speaker Scheer announced he intends to adjourn the session on Day 89 (May 26). Only 12 legislative days until the kids adjourn sine die. (Fist Pumping Emoji)

What’s Up?

Tracking Sheet Priority Bills:

  • LB44 (Watermeier) Failed to Advance Select File. Requires Internet sellers to collect and remit Nebraska sales tax.
  • LB144 (Friesen) Held in Committee. Change agricultural and horticultural adjusted valuations for calculating state aid to schools.
  • LB173 (Morfeld) General File. Prohibit discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity. Strongly opposed.  Not rescheduled.
  • LB276 (Albrecht) Select File.  Change provisions relating to hybrid seed corn definition and labeling. Advanced to the Governor.

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