The Grand Island Independent on Jan. 12: Rules changes could undermine Unicameral
As several new lawmakers begin their tenures in the Nebraska Legislature, we are reminded of the pride and excitement we felt being able to represent our constituents in the Unicameral.
Compared to the partisan gridlock and relentless infighting that occurs at the federal level as well as in many other states, Nebraska’s Unicameral has long stood out as a model of how representative democracy should be conducted. The non-partisan nature of our Legislature is a main reason our system works so well.
This is why we are concerned with potential changes that would affect how legislative committee chairs are selected and that would reduce lawmaker ability to oppose legislation they find harmful to their constituents. These changes would invite more partisanship in our Unicameral and put us on a slippery slope toward D.C.-style gridlock.
