Pillen pulls back budget vetoes; Nebraska officials will work to ‘clarify’ procedures

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen will withdraw the four line-item vetoes he issued in the state’s budget.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, Pillen, Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Speaker of the Legislature John Arch said they still disagree about whether the vetoes met constitutional requirements.

But Pillen said because the budget bills closely mirror his priorities, he will withdraw the line-item vetoes.

“That will render the constitutional dispute moot and bring the matter to a close,” the statement said.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska Legislature and Gov. Pillen clash over constitutionality of vetoes

Last week, Pillen vetoed $14.5 million in spending in Nebraska’s $11 billion budget for the next two years.

He also rejected an $18 million transfer out of the state’s cash fund for upgrades at Lake McConaughey.

But the Legislature was supposed to receive the bills back from the Governor’s Office by the end of Wednesday.

It did not get the actual physical bills until Thursday, so it sent them back to the governor, saying the vetoes were invalid.

SEE ALSO: Pillen signs $11 billion budget, vetoes funding for Lake McConaughey upgrades

Pillen’s office said he sent copies of the bills to the Legislature before the deadline, which it said was standard practice.

Next session, the governor and Speaker of the Legislature John Arch have agreed to make budget adjustments a priority.

“To avoid a similar future dispute, all parties have agreed to meet during the interim to clarify and confirm procedures that meet the constitutional requirements for transmittal of budget, and ensure they are maintained in a clear written guidance for future implementation by all office,” the statement said.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska lawmakers approve $11 billion two-year budget