Nebraska Legislature - short session starts (Omaha, Chambers: 2010, casino, moving)

[Dave1215]

Well the Nebraska Legislature starts up this week for a short-session and after this a lot of Senators will be out by the term-limit requirement.

What do people think will be the big issues and how do you see them getting resolved in such a short time?

I personally think Senator Chambers will tie the legislature up over the death penalty. I believe he has tried to pass that every year he was there - with this being his last hope I think he'll make that his number one priority.

Unfortunatly I think Road funding and Water issues should prevail, but I don't hold out hope. Hope I'm wrong.

[Gunluvver2]

What do people think will be the big issues and how do you see them getting resolved in such a short time?
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I hope LB253 passes. That is the motorcycle helmet bill. It would be nice to decide whether to wear a helmet on those 95+ degree days in the summer when a helmet feels like you have stuck your head in an oven.

GL2

[Steve_W]

I wish the Casino bills could be brought to attention once again. As I understand they can't be for sometime now?

It still seems absurd to me that Casino revenues are pouring into Iowa when they could be spent here in Omaha. Ultra conservatives seem to forget about economics when they intrude on their own personal values...

I like Tom Osborne and all but yes...I'm speaking of him in particular.

[ehenningsen]

I know this is quite a range of time, but if I remember right it can be brought up as early as 2008 2009 or 2010..

I just hope that they can agree on something, the only reason I'd be for casino's in Nebraska is ONLY to bring the money back in..

I know that this belief of mine is limiting for others, but honestly it needs to be done..

[Gunluvver2]

WOW! I just listened to Sen. Ernie Chambers two different times today in support of passing LB 253. At times I love Ernie and at other times I hate him! Whatever, things in the Unicameral sure will be boring when he is term limited out next year.

GL2

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Gunluvver2

WOW! I just listened to Sen. Ernie Chambers two different times today in support of passing LB 253. At times I love Ernie and at other times I hate him! Whatever, things in the Unicameral sure will be boring when he is term limited out next year.

GL2

I can't see him removing himself from the process... will be interesting to see where he pops up and how he will be involved.

I hardely ever agree with him and I believe him to be a very arrogant man, but in one sense I hate to see him leave - he has in an odd way almost been a check/balance in the unicameral. I think its a good thing when government cannot easily pass new legislation and he certainly aids in that arena.

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Gunluvver2

I hope LB253 passes. That is the motorcycle helmet bill. It would be nice to decide whether to wear a helmet on those 95+ degree days in the summer when a helmet feels like you have stuck your head in an oven.GL2

Just heard the news that LB253 didn't make it 23-25. Close, but the sponsor indicated he wouldn't bring it back this year so guess its dead this time. With term limits in play again this year will be interesting to see if that changes anything for this bills future next year - only would take a couple to shift negative to positive.

[Steve_W]

That's too bad. It could have really helped the travel/tourism industry in Nebraska with all the bikers traveling to Sturgis every summer.

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Steve_W

That's too bad. It could have really helped the travel/tourism industry in Nebraska with all the bikers traveling to Sturgis every summer.

I agree with that and the impact could have been significant for some of the smaller towns... folks would have traveled the rural highways in central/western nerbaska and the sandhills - great land for an open bike ride.

[kosnebbear]

Steve_W and Dave1215, I agree with you as the ride through rural Nebraska to the Black Hills along Hwy 2 is a real nice ride. I have friends who go to Sturgis every year and they go around Nebraska when they ride, because of the helmet law. Maybe next year we will have a choice. I ride but my choice is to wear a helmet.