Law would bar employers who hire illegals from receiving tax breaks

Nebraska employers who violate immigration laws wouldn’t be able to take advantage of a state business incentive package, under a bill in the Legislature.  Employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants couldn’t receive benefits under the Nebraska Advantage Act for five years.  Senator Gwen Howard of Omaha introduced the measure (LB784) Wednesday.  If employers with violations applied for the tax breaks anyway and were approved, they could be forced to repay the money they saved.  The bill was one of about 90 that were introduced Wednesday, the opening day of the Legislature’s 2008 session.  Lawmakers have more than 300 bills left over from 2007, while officials predict that a total of up to 400 more might be introduced this year. Legislative debate is scheduled to begin next week.