Nebraskans Voice Overwhelming Support, Opposition To Proposed Amendments
There were 4 constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot; 2 passed easily, 2 were soundly defeated. Voters made hunting and fishing a constitutional right and made any misdemeanor offense by a person running for office an impeachable offense. 64% of voters did not want members of the Legislature to stay in office for more than 2 terms. The idea behind it was that 3 terms would give a state senator that much more time to hone his or her lawmaking craft, but voters didn't see it that way. Voters also wanted nothing to do with giving legislators a pay raise from $12,000 to $22,000 a year. Omaha Senator Scott Lautenbaugh said he proposed the amendment because higher pay could make it possible for more Nebraskans to consider running. Governor Heineman opposed the raises, saying lawmakers proved they didn't deserve more money when they overrode his veto last session of a bill providing prenatal care benefits to illegal immigrant women.
There were 4 constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot; 2 passed easily, 2 were soundly defeated. Voters made hunting and fishing a constitutional right and made any misdemeanor offense by a person running for office an impeachable offense. 64% of voters did not want members of the Legislature to stay in office for more than 2 terms. The idea behind it was that 3 terms would give a state senator that much more time to hone his or her lawmaking craft, but voters didn't see it that way. Voters also wanted nothing to do with giving legislators a pay raise from $12,000 to $22,000 a year. Omaha Senator Scott Lautenbaugh said he proposed the amendment because higher pay could make it possible for more Nebraskans to consider running. Governor Heineman opposed the raises, saying lawmakers proved they didn't deserve more money when they overrode his veto last session of a bill providing prenatal care benefits to illegal immigrant women.