LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Lawmakers are nearing the end a legislative session that will include new investments in university medical research, an overhaul of child welfare services, and a tax-cut package aimed at low- and middle-income Nebraskans.
Lawmakers have finished most of their top legislative priorities, with three days left in the session. But in nearly every major policy decision this year, lawmakers have shown a greater-than-usual willingness to confront Gov. Dave Heineman, and the Republican often has responded strongly.
Several times this session, Heineman has singled out individual state senators for criticism, and last week he portrayed the session as one that could be tarnished by tax increases and giveaways to illegal immigrants.
Some lawmakers have blasted Heineman’s tax package and assailed his administration’s oversight of child welfare services.