(Neb.)-Amendment Would Raise Threshold For Tax Increases

By: Roxie Graham-Marski Posted at: 01/11/2013 09:38 AM
     LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska lawmaker is proposing a constitutional amendment that would increase the number of votes needed for the Legislature to approve tax increases.
 
     Omaha Sen. Pete Pirsch introduced a measure on Thursday that would require lawmakers to muster at least 29 votes to pass a state tax increase. The Nebraska constitution currently requires a simple majority in the 49-member Legislature.
 
     Pirsch says the additional four votes would require supporters to make a more compelling case for tax increases. But he says the higher threshold would not create an insurmountable obstacle.
 
     Pirsch says he also introduced the amendment because the one-house Legislature doesn't have a second legislative house that can serve as a check on state senators.
 
     The amendment would require voter approval if lawmakers pass it.

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