Ricketts signs three Nebraska budget bills, with some changes

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Monday that he signed three budget bills passed by the Nebraska Legislature after vetoing certain parts of them.

“I’ve chosen to line-item veto certain spending items that will allow tax relief to succeed,” Ricketts wrote in his message to state senators.

Most of the vetoes would reduce funding for the items, not eliminate them.

For example, a $51.8 million reduction in general fund expenditures would still allow for a 5% rate increase for providers caring for vulnerable Nebraskans. LB 1011 had a 15% increase.

Ricketts also lowered funding for the Capitol heating, ventilation and air conditioning project; middle-income housing; and a national rail-trail route.

The governor did eliminate a $15 million transfer from the Prison Overcrowding Contingency Fund to the Vocational Life Skills Program Fund, saying the money should be used to replace the state penitentiary.

He also wants to cancel a $14 million transfer from the Governor’s Emergency Cash Fund to the state’s cash reserve.

Lawmakers need 30 votes to override a veto.

State spending would grow 4.8% next fiscal year with the vetoes, compared with 5.9% under the original bills.

“My vetoes will ensure that Nebraska is poised to provide top-notch government services while keeping tax relief a possibility,” Ricketts wrote.