IT WAS AN INTERESTING SESSION. …NEBRASKA CLEARLY IS A CONSERVATIVE STATE. …BUT THEY PASSED THE GAS TAX OVER THE


GOVERNOR’S VETO ALONG WITH TWO CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES: ABOLISHING THE DEATH PENALTY, AND ALLOWING YOUNG UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS BROUGHT TO AMERICA AS CHILDREN TO OBTAIN DRIVER’S LICENSES.


raise taxes. But they passed the gas tax over the governor’s veto along with two controversial issues: abolishing the death penalty, and allowing young undocumented immigrants brought to America as children to obtain driver’s licenses. What’s up with Nebraska? Reiser said


the fact that Nebraska legislators run on a nonpartisan basis creates an independent- minded culture. “Tese senators kind of feel like, ‘I was


elected on a nonpartisan basis, and I’m here to represent the people of my district, and I need to do what I think is right.’ You get a lot of independent thought and people willing to do what they think is best, even if it isn’t exactly


what either the Republican or the Democrat Party would like them to do,” he said. Smith echoed that insight. “We have 49


independent contractors,” he said. “We do not have a majority whip or a minority whip. We don’t whip votes. We do not caucus. We move our legislation through a debate of ideas, the principles that the individuals bring to the table, and through relationships.” More money is needed for Nebraska’s roads


and bridges, particularly with the uncertainty created by Congress. But don’t look for lawmakers to seek another increase. Acklie said supporters owe it to Nebraskans to let the tax rise as planned over the next four years. Reiser said he doesn’t expect another effort to


raise the gas tax any time soon. “I certainly have not heard of any plans by


anybody to come back for any more,” he said. “I’d be very surprised to see that.” However, that doesn’t mean the work is


finished. Smith said the Legislature will take a multi-year approach. After the tax increase begins to kick in, his committee plans to dig more deeply into the issue through interim studies. Te committee will be watching to see if the state and local governments are using the money appropriately. It also will be considering public-private partnerships and studying the structure of the Department of Roads. As Smith explained, “Tis is just the beginning.” NT


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