Time, funds running out for lawmakers’ priorities

LINCOLN — In the waning days of the Nebraska Legislature’s 2024 session, lawmakers are grappling with dwindling time and not enough funds for pet projects they’d like to see funded.

Lawmakers have about $20 million in general funds to be distributed on the floor this year after passing and sending general budget revisions last week to Gov. Jim Pillen for his approval. However, lawmakers are seeking a total of nearly $75 million from bills that have advanced from first-round debate, and more is coming.

Other bills would reduce state revenues. Proposals that have passed first-round debate are calling for reductions of about $28.2 million, including tax credits.

Funding estimates provided here are as of the afternoon of Thursday, March 28.

Should lawmakers pass every bill with a general fund impact that has advanced at least once this year, it would leave them in the next biennium with even less cash, as the state would be $422 million in the hole if every pet project is funded to its max level. However, lawmakers are statutorily required to have a balanced budget.

This Friday is the deadline for bills to advance from first-round debate, though proposals that don’t pass still have a slim chance to find a ride on another bill by the end of day 58 of the 60-day session. Chances are dwindling even further if a bill has a fiscal impact to the state’s main pocketbook: the general fund.

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