Among the items on today’s legislative agenda are motions to suspend the rules to revisit LR 14 and to override the governor’s veto of LB 108.
LR 14, which was indefinitely postponed earlier this session after failing to receive enough votes to be pulled out of the Government, Military and Veteran Affairs Committee, is a measure to petition Congress to call a convention to make changes to the U.S. Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress. “Fiscal restraints” could include a balanced budget amendment, debt limits and even the elimination of the federal income tax.
Today’s motion will attempt to suspend the rules to provide that LR 14 no longer be designated as indefinitely postponed. If 30 senators vote to suspend the rules, LR14 will subsequently be voted out of committee and be placed on General File. This will make it eligible for debate in the 2022 Legislative session. You can read more about our concerns with LR 14 this policy brief.
LB 108, if enacted, would expand access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to those with incomes below 165% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for two years. This benefit expansion would help lessen the cliff effect that occurs when raises and promotions push workers above the current state SNAP income threshold of 130% FPL. It will take 30 votes to override the governor’s veto. Read more about LB 108 and expanded SNAP benefits here.
Along with these measures, the Legislature will also debate veto override motions related to state management of the Omaha Public Schools pension program and a measure that would extend federally-funded home energy assistance to more Nebraskans.