State senators are taking the budget debate to the people, discussing what to cut and what to keep.

State senators are getting ready for a special session in November aimed at cutting the $93.3 million budget shortfall. To help, lawmakers from Lancaster County gathered to hear concerns from the public.

"I've been very thrilled to sit here and listen to everybody's ideas tonight," said Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill.

Early on priorities became clear and nearly everyone in the room wanted one important item taken off the block.

"On the education issue, that's one area that seems to be stretched pretty far," said Christa Yoakum from Lincoln.

"If you have to cut $10 and you can say only $.50 of that money is actually affecting a student, I ask that you take a deep look at that," said Bert Brown of Lincoln.

In a surprising twist, one cut supported by a majority is actually a tax rebate.

"I'm floored with the feedback, I mean that's why we have these town hall meetings," said Lincoln Senator Tony Fulton.

The property tax credit gives landowners a break and many people said they'd like it cut before programs, people and education.

"I think we have to expand our tax base to fund these huge important things. I mean, I don't mind paying taxes," said Senator Norm Wallman from Cortland.

In another surprise, people largely supported a new tax to help with revenue; a so-called sugar tax that other states are doing where foods with high sugar content are taxed extra.

"The projectionsfor Nebraska is that it would raise $85 million dollars a year," said Dr. Bob Rauner of Lincoln.

People also wanted to know why the state can't use its considerable surplus fund of more than $320 million. But senators said they don't want to dip into the so-called rainy day fund too much or it could become a crutch in future budgets.

"If we were to go into the cash reserve we have to recognize that we actually would be spending more money and perhaps digging ourselves a hole," said Fulton.

As usual, state senators reminded, Nebraska isn't as bad off as some states. The special session is largely to make sure we don't fall behind.

Although Monday's meeting is the only planned town hall meeting so far, all senators welcomed people to contact them with whatever budget ideas they have. If you'd like information on contacting your senator or to learn more about the budget, go to the 10/11 homepage and click on the Hot Button.