Six issues that will shape the Legislature
By the Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning holds an assault rifle as he speaks Tuesday in Lincoln, Neb. At left is state Sen. Gwen Howard. Bruning outlined his priority list for the Unicameral, including several public safety issues. (AP Photo)
The first session of the 101st Nebraska Legislature is scheduled to convene at 10 a.m. today. Senators will consider hundreds of bills during the 90-day session, which is expected to end June 4. Here's a look at a few of the issues sure to leave their mark.
Immigration
With the federal government avoiding solutions to illegal immigration, what is the best way for the state to tackle the issue in Nebraska? Should it be up to employers to verify the legal status of foreign-born applicants? How should Nebraska deal with the effects on communities, businesses and families? Senators will have 90 days to find the answers.
Children in crisis
The goal is delivering the right behavioral health care for children and adolescents at the right time in the right location. The Legislature will address the issue -- exposed this fall by the state's first safe haven law -- bit by bit, beginning with a bill that will focus on a single access point for families into the mental health system.
Budget
Restraint will be the key word as senators put together a more-than-$7 billion, two-year budget during the session. The debate over spending will be guided by how quickly and how much the national recession affects Nebraska's economy. Senators will eventually face decisions about what to cut and how quickly to use the state's $590 million cash reserve.
Taxes
Senators will have to decide whether the state can afford to continue a property tax credit -- $86.13 per $100,000 in valuation this year, or $129.20 for a home valued at $150,000. The property tax credit program costs the state $115 million in state tax revenue this year. The recession, and potential cuts in state services, will likely curb senators' interest in big tax cuts.
Lethal injection
The state Supreme Court last year declared the electric chair unconstitutional, leaving Nebraska with no legal way to execute convicted murderers. With the departure of Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, an ardent death penalty opponent, senators are expected to pass a lethal injection bill this year.
Turnover
A third of the Unicameral work force will turn over today. That's about four times the average turnover rate of government workers in general, and state and local government workers in this country. Because of term limits, the Lincoln delegation of senators now has no one with more than two years of experience.
Immigration
With the federal government avoiding solutions to illegal immigration, what is the best way for the state to tackle the issue in Nebraska? Should it be up to employers to verify the legal status of foreign-born applicants? How should Nebraska deal with the effects on communities, businesses and families? Senators will have 90 days to find the answers.
Children in crisis
The goal is delivering the right behavioral health care for children and adolescents at the right time in the right location. The Legislature will address the issue -- exposed this fall by the state's first safe haven law -- bit by bit, beginning with a bill that will focus on a single access point for families into the mental health system.
Budget
Restraint will be the key word as senators put together a more-than-$7 billion, two-year budget during the session. The debate over spending will be guided by how quickly and how much the national recession affects Nebraska's economy. Senators will eventually face decisions about what to cut and how quickly to use the state's $590 million cash reserve.
Taxes
Senators will have to decide whether the state can afford to continue a property tax credit -- $86.13 per $100,000 in valuation this year, or $129.20 for a home valued at $150,000. The property tax credit program costs the state $115 million in state tax revenue this year. The recession, and potential cuts in state services, will likely curb senators' interest in big tax cuts.
Lethal injection
The state Supreme Court last year declared the electric chair unconstitutional, leaving Nebraska with no legal way to execute convicted murderers. With the departure of Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, an ardent death penalty opponent, senators are expected to pass a lethal injection bill this year.
Turnover
A third of the Unicameral work force will turn over today. That's about four times the average turnover rate of government workers in general, and state and local government workers in this country. Because of term limits, the Lincoln delegation of senators now has no one with more than two years of experience.
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 6 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
Grant wrote on Jan 7, 2009 7:36 PM:
I suspect alot of Iowan's will fall into the trap of "Well, the Democrats can take away the semi-automatics (or handguns, or pump action or whatever) as long as they don't take my side by side or over/under(or whatever)" and the downhill slide will begin. "
Mark wrote on Jan 7, 2009 6:39 PM:
Mark Moerman wrote on Jan 7, 2009 6:28 PM:
Grant wrote on Jan 7, 2009 3:53 PM:
to function that way matters not. Cosmetics should matter not as well. You can take a semi-auto rifle with pretty wood on it and spray it black with paint and it will LOOK more ominous to some but in actuality it will not be. True "assault rifles", IF there is such a thing, are fully automatic. Magazine capacity is another matter entirely. "
IowaBoy wrote on Jan 7, 2009 3:49 PM: