KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsNebraska lawmakers open special session to cut budget

Nebraska lawmakers open special session to cut budget

LINCOLN, Neb. (KTIV) - Nebraska lawmakers are back in Lincoln. Though the regular legislative session is still two months away, they're meeting in a special session to address widespread budget cuts proposed by Governor Dave Heineman.

Cuts will touch most state agencies under a plan proposed by Governor Dave Heineman to make up for an expected $334-million budget shortfall. "Difficult problems have tough solutions." Speaker of the Legislature, Mike Flood, of Norfolk, knows the budget-cutting process will be tough. "Senators are gonna have to make cuts to programs they care quite a bit about," Flood said.

Governor Heineman has already suggested slashing spending on education. "It all starts with education." Senator Bob Giese, of South Sioux City, says "do the math." Education is the largest part of the state budget. Already, the governor wants lawmakers, like Giese, to eliminate the $47-million increase in state aid for schools in the next fiscal year. "I'll look at issues that can potentially save money and reduce spending," Giese said.

Heineman's suggestions? Cuts to Medicaid, corrections and the State Patrol. And, eliminating vacant jobs in state government. But, that won't be enough. "I don't want to put anybody out of a job, today," said Sen. Kent Rogert, Tekamah. It might come to that.

The governor has also asked for a 2.5%, across-the-board budget cut this fiscal year... and a 5% cut, next year. "We should be braced for a tough, 18-month ride," Flood said.

While lawmakers will debate specific cuts to the state budget, Governor Heineman has promised one thing... he won't raise taxes.

A seven-day session is planned... with the first vote on a final budget bill by Friday, November 13th.