Senators delayed Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s State of the State address with filibuster

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen was set to give his State of the State address on Thursday at 10 a.m. 

But State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha followed through with his plans to delay the speech.

On Wednesday, Wayne said he may delay the speech over plans to redevelop north Omaha.

Just last week, the Pillen and Omaha’s mayor announced a $125 million project to add an industrial business park and sports complex to north Omaha.

But Wayne and State Sen. Terrell McKinney said they weren’t invited to make that announcement with Pillen, despite working for years to obtain the funding.

Pillen was supposed to take the stand at 10 a.m.  He eventually began the speech at around 10:45 a.m.

During the address, Pillen thanked law enforcement and snowplow crews for their work in keeping Nebraskans safe during recent winter storms.

He also discussed property taxes, and state senators’ efforts to lower them during the legislative session.

Pillen said property taxes will be cut by 40% this year.