Legislative Update #12
This was a very odd week in terms of productivity and sheer ‘holy cow’ moments… and I’ve had a lot of those in my career in this business. To start, LB170, a bill to increase about $100M in ‘other’ taxes to shift towards property tax relief, failed to move off of General File on Monday. It began as a bill to increase taxes on tobacco products and liquor, place a sales tax on candy and pop; was amended to include a bunch of sales tax exemption repeals on some services; to being amended again to just increase the tax on nicotine vape pens and cigarettes (This firm’s clients oppose most attempts to raise taxes, period). The bill had 30 votes in the end to attempt to shut down the filibuster, but it takes 33. Monday was wasted. Governor was MAD.
Holy Cow
Tuesday was spent debating LB677, which was attempting to put a regulatory framework into place for the medical marijuana initiative that was passed by the voters in November with 71% of the vote. This was obviously filibustered by Senators who don’t want marijuana legal in any fashion and are backed strongly by the Attorney General and Governor. The vote came up way short with 23 votes to end the filibuster… 33 was needed. Tuesday also wasted. People were MAD.
Holy Cow
Wednesday was actually more productive as the Speaker’s priority bill was advanced to re-create the Division of Legislative Oversight to keep watch over executive branch functions such as child care, corrections, nursing homes, and other public authorities. Then a ‘compromise’ Education Committee Priority Bill was on the docket, but it was quickly dismantled in what I can only say was like watching a bunch of school kids trying to run the Legislature. Apparently, the Speaker was off campus for a bit, because it was a complete cat parade… once he showed up, the bill magically went away for a few days.
Holy Cow
And then yesterday, (actually the night before) the Governor returned the Budget Bills with a few line-item vetoes. ALMOST. As the day progressed, there started to be rumors floating about some sort of screw up. Turns out, The Governor’s Office delivered his veto letter to the Secretary of State in the proper timing. The bills and the letter did not make it to their proper landing place, the Clerk of the Legislature, until Thursday, which was several hours past the constitutionally required deadline of 5 days (Sundays excepted). So, the Budget became law yesterday without anyone knowing it or doing anything about it. WHOOPS! All of his vetoes are allegedly invalid, and the money stays appropriated. I’m guessing someone somewhere in the executive branch is considering a new career today. (There’s a good chance a judge is being consulted this morning on this matter.)
Holy Cow
Day 85 is Tuesday, and we’re not quite sure when the hammer comes down yet. We’ve been playing by the assumption that it will be June 2nd, Day 89. Maybe it will be Friday, Day 88? Maybe we’ll go the full 90 and have to come in for a few hours on a date the following week? All I know is it’s just about time for the fat lady to sing.
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!!
~Kent