LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers did not accept several line-item vetoes that Gov. Jim Pillen issued on the state’s upcoming budget, claiming the governor missed the deadline.
Laura Strimple, Communications Director for Gov. Pillen’s office released the following statement:
“The Governor took actions on LB260e, LB261e, LB262e, LB263e, LB264e, and LB534e on May 21 at the following times:
LB260e: 1:11 p.m.
LB261e: 1:08 p.m.
LB262e: 1:11 p.m.
LB263e: 1:11 p.m.
LB264e: 1:10 p.m.
LB534e: 1:13 p.m.
LB260e, LB262e, LB263e, and LB534 were signed and delivered to the Secretary of State on May 21.
LB261e and LB264e, which contained line-item vetos made by the Governor at 1:08 p.m. and 1:10 p.m., were properly signed into law and given to the Secretary of State. As has been past practice, copies of the actions and the bill were made and delivered and received by the Clerk’s Office on the evening of the 21.
The timely transmittal of line-item veto items to the Legislature and the Secretary of State’s office yesterday was not only consistent with past procedural practice for such actions, but also with the express and specific logistical requests of those offices. Through this process, the Governor clearly took the legally required steps to exercise his veto authority by surrendering physical possession and the power to approve or reject the bills.
It is unfortunate that the Legislature is giving up its opportunity to take action on the Governor’s veto and has, by unilaterally returning the mainline budget to the Governor, created an impasse. We will consult with the Attorney General’s Office and other counsel on next steps to effectuate the law.”
