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There are many unique aspects to serving in the Nebraska State Legislature. Topping that list is the officially nonpartisan nature of the governing body. We are, in fact, the only state that operates with a one- house, nonpartisan form of government. My counterparts in other states are often intrigued by the concept of the Unicameral and how it works. Those representatives marvel at the absence of party involvement in the decision making process. They tell me many of their outcomes are cut and dried before they even come to the floor for debate.
Not so in the Nebraska Legislature. Every bill creates a different coalition of senators with little to no concern for party affiliation.
While no system is perfect, this can take politics out of the governing.
The Unicameral's nonpartisan nature serves the best interest of Nebraska citizens because we can stick to the issues. There are many things that go into my decisions before I place my vote. Understanding the bill, asking questions, and listening to my constituent's concerns are the driving forces in my final vote. Some may claim partisan attacks happen. There is no room for partisan preferences when I debate and vote on behalf of my district and the state.
Our Unicameral sets us apart from other states but we also share similarities. There are three separate but equal branches of government legislative, executive and judicial. The Legislature's only constitutional obligation is to set a budget. The executive branch has a part in the process. The Governor controls 20 agencies that request funding from the Legislature. But it is the Legislature that will scrutinize those requests and then advance a final budget to the Governor.
This week the preliminary budget was presented. You can access it at www.unicam.state.ne.us. The challenge to maintain a balanced budget is now before the legislative branch. Debate will occur; differences will be worked through with an end result of a fiscally-responsible budget.
The Legislature uses the financial information provided by the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board for budget deliberations. That board makes short and long range projections about revenue and budget needs. Based on those projections there is a possible $58 million shortfall in the coming year. We have maintained a healthy cash reserve, or savings account, to help us meet those downturns in revenue. Hopefully this will help us avoid cuts to services and tax increases.
In the waning days of this 60-day session it will take a concerted and cooperative effort on the part of the Legislature and executive branch to address issues of great importance to the state. Chief among those issues will be to deliver a balanced budget while addressing state aid to education, highway funding and possible water lawsuits. This will take strong leadership and a non-partisan approach from the Governor and the Legislature.
As always, do not hesitate to contact me with your comments or concerns.
Senator Annette Dubas
State Capitol
PO Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509-4604
adubas@leg.ne.gov
402.471.2630
www.annettedubas.com
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