The 109th Nebraska Legislature, Second Session, is off to the races—and, at the time of publication of this column, they’re already on Day 3 of their 60-day (“short”) session which will run until early April.
What can we expect in this upcoming legislative session?
Bill Introduction. During the first ten days, State Senators will introduce all legislation to be considered throughout these 60 working days of session. Likely, somewhere between 500-700 legislative bills will be introduced. Additionally, legislation that didn’t pass last year “carries over” into this session and remains eligible for advancement in the process.
But can they possibly get through all these legislative bills? No.
Most introduced bills will not advance from committee, let alone be debated or pass into law. The Speaker of the Legislature, who determines the daily agenda, and State Senators will have to be prudent and determine which bills are most important to work through the legislative process.
The Main Attractions. Even every bill introduced will get committee hearings and 100+ bills will end up debated by the full legislature, there are usually a handful of main attractions that will capture the Nebraska Legislature’ attention.
This year’s main attraction will be the statewide budget. State Senators and the Governor are facing a nearly $500 million revenue shortfall based on the budgeting they accomplished last session.
Because they are constitutionally mandated to pass a balanced budget, they’ll have significant budget adjustments to address this session. How the Legislature and the Governor ultimately address this budgetary gap will be the question of the session.
As Speaker John Arch has publicly stated, “Honestly, there’s the budget, and then there’s everything else.” So don’t be surprised when it seems like most of the Legislature’s focus is about money.
When the state faces revenue shortfalls, it means any legislation that increases costs to the state are typically dead on arrival. “Bills with a fiscal note,” as they are called, will most likely fail in committee, as the state cannot afford them.
Advocates Needed. The Nebraska Catholic Conference has several important bills that are carrying over from last year. And we’ll be supporting or opposing numerous new bills.
To advance or defeat these bills, we need everyday Catholics stepping up to the plate and doing their part as the lay faithful to engage in the public square and transform the everyday work of the world.
To stay up-to-date on our work this session, join our Catholic Advocacy Network by visiting www.NEcatholic.org and clicking on the “Join Our Network” banner. While you’re there, visit our online “Bill Tracker” to learn about all the legislation we’re working on.
Also, save the date for our annual legislative advocacy day, Catholics at the Capitol. It’ll take place on Wednesday, March 4, in Lincoln. 250+ Catholics will gather together to bear the light of Christ in the public square and engage with their State Senators and other elected officials to make a positive impact for the Gospel and our state. Registration forthcoming. For now, mark it on your calendar.
Time to Witness for Life. The anniversary of Roe v. Wade is January 22. While Roe has been overturned, its 50-year history continues to haunt our nation and negatively impact millions of lives.
On January 31, Nebraska Right to Life is hosting their annual Nebraska Walk for Life to memorialize the millions of lives lost because of legalized abortion in our country. Thousands of Nebraskans will gather in solidarity and witness to the dignity of unborn life and their mothers. We hope you’ll join in this largest pro-life public demonstration in our state. Don’t forget, invite family, friends, and fellow parishioners to join you!
Before the Walk, the Nebraska Bishops invite you to join in prayer at the Bishops’ Pro-Life Mass. The Mass will be celebrated and preached by the new Archbishop of Omaha, His Excellency Michael G. McGovern. Mass begins at 9 am in St. Mary’s Church in downtown Lincoln. Immediately following Mass, the Walk begins at 10 AM at the north steps of the State Capitol and concludes with a program and keynote speaker at the Cornhusker Marriot Hotel.
For more information about the Nebraska Right to Life Gala the night before or the Nebraska Walk for Life, check out www.NebraskaRightToLife.org.
We hope to see you there! God bless us, everyone!
