Unicameral shifts gears

Last week, things at the Unicameral shifted gears somewhat. Almost all of the committees finished up their hearings for the session, and we transitioned to all-day debate on bills on the legislative floor. Despite now devoting more time to bills on the floor, progress wasn't what it could have been, due to extended debate on several bills -- filibusters. We also began work on the budget last week, with several issues now being discussed and worked on.

We were given information on the budget as it was arranged by the Appropriations committee, and debated two major budget bills on the floor: LB 956 and LB 957, both introduced by Speaker Hadley at the request of the Governor. The appropriations committee announced, among other things, three major transfers from the Cash Reserve Fund (sometimes called the "rainy day fund"). The largest transfer, $50 million, would fund the proposed Transportation Infrastructure Bank. The bank would fund the completion and extension of expressways, but would also allow counties to apply for matching funds in order to work on projects like bridges.

The second largest transfer, of $27.3 million, would go toward the Lincoln Community Corrections Center, helping to update it and expand capacity while more reforms are pursued. The third largest transfer, of $13.7 million, would go toward completing two levees to protect Offutt Air Force Base from flooding. The Department of Defense has indicated that it will not invest in upgrading and improving the runway at Offutt while it is at risk of major flooding, thereby wasting the federal dollars spent on it. The levees will help to keep Offutt a competitive location for a continued military base presence, which as the only large military installation in Nebraska, contributes millions of dollars a year to our economy.

Lastly, I am hopeful that the legislature will soon debate and advance LB 1038, which deals with water issues. My bill, LB 711, was added to LB 1038 as an amendment in order to ensure that it would have a chance this year. 711, now part of AM 2472, would reinstate and fund the Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force, a program vital to all Nebraska farmers, but especially to those along waterways like the Republican River Basin.

I always enjoy hearing from the Nebraskans I represent. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you might have. My email address is dhughes@leg.ne.gov and my phone number is (402) 471-2805.You can read more about bills and other work of the Legislature at www.nebraskalegislature.gov, and you can click on the Live Video Streaming NET logo to watch sessions, hearings, and other Capitol events.