Senators question Unicameral set-up
Posted: Friday, November 17, 2006
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) ---- Does Nebraska need two houses instead of one?
A couple of state senators want the state to consider nixing its one-of-a-kind, one-house Legislature in favor of a two-house system that other states use. They presented their ideas Thursday to a legislative committee of fellow state senators.
"This could be one of the most important philosophical discussions that elected representatives in this state have ever undertaken," said state Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha.
The chances of the state agreeing to scratch its nearly 70-year-old unicameral Legislature were unlikely, Friend said. But there is a good chance, he said after the hearing, that he will propose a measure during the upcoming legislative session that would do just that.
Voters would have the final say on the matter, maybe as early as 2008, if a measure to put the issue before voters were approved by lawmakers.
Friend argued that a two-house system could provide more checks and balances of laws, prevent what he called legislative tyranny and infuse the lawmaking process with more information and precision.
Some members of the Legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs committee appeared doubtful.
"I think the culture of Nebraska lends itself to a (one-house system), because we have a small population," said state Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln, chairwoman of the committee.
Supporters of the current system say it is cheaper because of fewer lawmakers (Nebraska has 49). They say lawmaking is less burdened by the political posturing in partisan, two-house systems and that the merits of bills rather than political gamesmanship dictate whether they are given serious consideration.
"In my opinion, partisanship follows" a two-house system, said Sen. Mick Mines of Blair. "I don't think you can decouple those."
Nebraska state lawmakers do not officially operate based on party alliances. Though Nebraska has the only one-house legislature in the country, more than a dozen states have considered it in recent years. And Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, is slated to do away with its two-house system for one house in two years.
Former Nebraska U.S. Sen. George Norris, a New Deal Republican, wore out two sets of tires in the 1930s campaigning for a one-house system, telling voters the state's two-house system was outdated and inefficient. The state Legislature has had one house since 1937.
"Senator Friend is probably going to have to wear out more than two sets of tires" to persuade people to switch, said state Sen. Philip Erdman of Bayard. But Erdman, co-sponsor with Friend of a measure to study the issue, said it is worth a look. "Have we realized the benefits?" of a one-house system, Erdman asked.
The overhaul of the Legislature caused by term limits -- nearly half the body will be replaced when the session begins -- makes it a good time to consider such questions, Erdman said. He said a two-house system could be as cost-effective as a one-house system and offer better representation.
Former state senator and Secretary of State Scott Moore has traveled the country to work with state legislatures while working as a lobbyist since his days of public service in Nebraska.
"Nebraska's (one-house system) is the most open, honest and accountable legislative body I've seen," Moore told the committee.
A couple of state senators want the state to consider nixing its one-of-a-kind, one-house Legislature in favor of a two-house system that other states use. They presented their ideas Thursday to a legislative committee of fellow state senators.
"This could be one of the most important philosophical discussions that elected representatives in this state have ever undertaken," said state Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha.
The chances of the state agreeing to scratch its nearly 70-year-old unicameral Legislature were unlikely, Friend said. But there is a good chance, he said after the hearing, that he will propose a measure during the upcoming legislative session that would do just that.
Voters would have the final say on the matter, maybe as early as 2008, if a measure to put the issue before voters were approved by lawmakers.
Friend argued that a two-house system could provide more checks and balances of laws, prevent what he called legislative tyranny and infuse the lawmaking process with more information and precision.
Some members of the Legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs committee appeared doubtful.
"I think the culture of Nebraska lends itself to a (one-house system), because we have a small population," said state Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln, chairwoman of the committee.
Supporters of the current system say it is cheaper because of fewer lawmakers (Nebraska has 49). They say lawmaking is less burdened by the political posturing in partisan, two-house systems and that the merits of bills rather than political gamesmanship dictate whether they are given serious consideration.
"In my opinion, partisanship follows" a two-house system, said Sen. Mick Mines of Blair. "I don't think you can decouple those."
Nebraska state lawmakers do not officially operate based on party alliances. Though Nebraska has the only one-house legislature in the country, more than a dozen states have considered it in recent years. And Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, is slated to do away with its two-house system for one house in two years.
Former Nebraska U.S. Sen. George Norris, a New Deal Republican, wore out two sets of tires in the 1930s campaigning for a one-house system, telling voters the state's two-house system was outdated and inefficient. The state Legislature has had one house since 1937.
"Senator Friend is probably going to have to wear out more than two sets of tires" to persuade people to switch, said state Sen. Philip Erdman of Bayard. But Erdman, co-sponsor with Friend of a measure to study the issue, said it is worth a look. "Have we realized the benefits?" of a one-house system, Erdman asked.
The overhaul of the Legislature caused by term limits -- nearly half the body will be replaced when the session begins -- makes it a good time to consider such questions, Erdman said. He said a two-house system could be as cost-effective as a one-house system and offer better representation.
Former state senator and Secretary of State Scott Moore has traveled the country to work with state legislatures while working as a lobbyist since his days of public service in Nebraska.
"Nebraska's (one-house system) is the most open, honest and accountable legislative body I've seen," Moore told the committee.
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