Special Legislative Session: The First Day

Back to GI Everyday
Updated: 10:45 PM Nov 4, 2009 Special Legislative Session: The First Day Lincoln The first day of the special legislative session may be over, but senators are only beginning to examine the state budget shortfall. Posted: 8:50 PM Nov 4, 2009 Reporter: Terra Hall Email Address: Terra.Hall@1011now.com

Font Size:

The first day of the special legislative session may be over, but senators are only beginning to examine the state budget shortfall.

"It's going to be very painful this time," said Sen. Lavon Heidemann of Elk Creek. "Eventually without a doubt with the cuts we're talking about there will be some people that will probably lose their jobs. Eventually. I'm not saying right away, but eventually. And when that happens, you really think about what you're doing."

"We're doing more with less," said state treasurer Shane Osborn. "We haven't dropped off on customer service or anything like that but there are some technologies out there that can make a difference and so we're all about saving money. I want the taxpayers to get the best bang for their buck."

Lawmakers will likely make cuts across-the-board to balance Nebraska's two-year budget.

"We have a problem right now," said Heidemann. "We, in Nebraska, when we see a problem we tend to want to fix it right away. That's what we need to do in this special session."

"It'll easily be two years before we start to see improvements," said Osborn. "That's why it's important to make these steps now and take these steps now before we get into even more financial trouble."

But senators aren't making financial decisions alone; they're asking for the public's input.

"We're trying to answer people and keep them engaged in the process," said Sen. Kathy Campbell of Lincoln. "We all want to hear from people and constituents, what are your questions, what are your comments as we look at the budget. This is a large amount of money to cut and will affect people all across the state no matter what we do and so it's helpful to hear from the constituents."

Because the public will be affected by the decisions made in the coming weeks.

To get your voice heard, visit: http://www.NebraskaBudget.com.

Click here to post a comment.