Governor lauds senators, defends hands-on approach
Posted: Friday, April 18, 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- If it seems like the current governor is more involved than most in the Legislature's affairs, "it's probably true," he acknowledges.
"I care about legislation," Gov. Dave Heineman said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm not afraid to call senators on the weekend."
He raised eyebrows last month when he angrily blasted a key legislative committee's failure to advance a bill he said would keep illegal immigrants from getting state benefits.
Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha and others suggested the bill was meant to appease people angry over illegal immigration at a time when it is a hot political issue.
Heineman said Thursday it was a straightforward measure that deserved a fair hearing.
"We debated the death penalty three times, and I have no problem with that," he said. "Couldn't we just debate immigration once?"
Senators suggested political motives again when Heineman vetoed a fuel tax increase and a bill to require towns to add fluoride to water at their own cost.
Heineman said he was listening to a call for fiscal relief from average Nebraskans.
Lawmakers voted to override both vetoes, saying sometimes politically unpopular positions are necessary.
As the legislative session wrapped up Thursday, the governor thanked lawmakers for exercising restraint with spending and avoiding dipping too deeply into the state's $540 million cash reserve.
"We're going to be grateful for that next year if there's any kind of slowdown," Heineman said.
The few withdrawals senators did approve -- $15 million for roads, $5 million to move the Nebraska State Fair and a $9 million loan to pay Republican River basin farmers -- were "three common sense solutions," Heineman said.
Sen. Brad Ashford of Omaha, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he hopes to hammer out a compromise on immigration over the summer.
Also this summer, the governor and Attorney General Jon Bruning will formulate a plan to bring a new method of execution before senators, most likely early next year.
Heineman said he'll work with Sen. Deb Fischer of Valentine and the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee on roads funding. He expects to hear from a committee formed to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect at the Beatrice State Development Center, home to about 300 developmentally disabled patients.
At least 15 new senators will be elected this year because of term limits, and the governor said he expects "independent-minded" people to fill the rolls.
But they can expect a few phone calls.
"I don't think state senators are intimidated by the governor," he said. "They shouldn't be."
On the Net:
Nebraska Legislature: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov
"I care about legislation," Gov. Dave Heineman said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm not afraid to call senators on the weekend."
He raised eyebrows last month when he angrily blasted a key legislative committee's failure to advance a bill he said would keep illegal immigrants from getting state benefits.
Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha and others suggested the bill was meant to appease people angry over illegal immigration at a time when it is a hot political issue.
Heineman said Thursday it was a straightforward measure that deserved a fair hearing.
"We debated the death penalty three times, and I have no problem with that," he said. "Couldn't we just debate immigration once?"
Senators suggested political motives again when Heineman vetoed a fuel tax increase and a bill to require towns to add fluoride to water at their own cost.
Heineman said he was listening to a call for fiscal relief from average Nebraskans.
Lawmakers voted to override both vetoes, saying sometimes politically unpopular positions are necessary.
As the legislative session wrapped up Thursday, the governor thanked lawmakers for exercising restraint with spending and avoiding dipping too deeply into the state's $540 million cash reserve.
"We're going to be grateful for that next year if there's any kind of slowdown," Heineman said.
The few withdrawals senators did approve -- $15 million for roads, $5 million to move the Nebraska State Fair and a $9 million loan to pay Republican River basin farmers -- were "three common sense solutions," Heineman said.
Sen. Brad Ashford of Omaha, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he hopes to hammer out a compromise on immigration over the summer.
Also this summer, the governor and Attorney General Jon Bruning will formulate a plan to bring a new method of execution before senators, most likely early next year.
Heineman said he'll work with Sen. Deb Fischer of Valentine and the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee on roads funding. He expects to hear from a committee formed to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect at the Beatrice State Development Center, home to about 300 developmentally disabled patients.
At least 15 new senators will be elected this year because of term limits, and the governor said he expects "independent-minded" people to fill the rolls.
But they can expect a few phone calls.
"I don't think state senators are intimidated by the governor," he said. "They shouldn't be."
On the Net:
Nebraska Legislature: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
