Multiple topics were covered in the Nebraska legislative session on Tuesday, including a bill increasing salaries for state officials, the state's budget, and a maternity leave bill.
During Tuesday’s session a proposal to increase the governor’s and other state officials’ salaries failed. Multiple state officials were listed in the proposal, such as the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general.
Senator Robert Clements proposed the governor's salary increase from $105,000 to $130,000 and other state officials’ salaries by similar amounts.
According to Clements, the legislature would have to act now for it to go into effect, and it wouldn’t until next January. He added the bill would only apply to officials elected this November.
Opponents of the proposal noted the current condition of the state's deficit, saying now is not the time to raise officials’ salaries.
In a joint press release, Governor Jim Pillen, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, and Secretary of State Bob Evnen stated they are against the bill.
Additionally, as the increased salaries proposal failed, a bill securing maternity leave for state troopers, correction officers, and teachers in correctional facilities advanced.
Supporters of the bill will assist police agencies to retain trained and qualified employees. Senator Ashley Spivey stated there isn't a parental leave policy in place, which forces women to choose to either stay or leave the workforce.
Opponents of the bill are concerned that it would increase the state’s overall budget.
Senator Dunixi Guereca, who proposed the bill, said the measure would not increase the state’s budget, noting employees would take sick time, vacation, or unpaid leave.
Also during Tuesday’s session, the appropriations committee continued to discuss ways to overcome the state’s projected budget deficit.
According to the committee, the state’s estimated budget gap has been reduced by $40 million through budget cuts, cash fund transfers, and withdrawals from the state’s cash reserve.
Included in the proposed cuts is $5 million from aid to community colleges in the state. Originally, the proposal would prohibit community colleges from increasing property taxes to offset cuts, but ultimately the committee voted to remove the text restricting an increase.
