Area state senators reflect on Legislative session’s top issues

The second session of the 100th Nebraska Legislature was a short one, but it was jam-packed with big issues. Topics like highway funding and the future of the State Fair dominated discussion during the session, which ended Thursday. The Independent caught up with four Central Nebraska senators Dist. 33 Sen. Carroll Burling of Kenesaw, Dist. 35 Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, Dist. 41 Sen. Vickie McDonald of St. Paul and Dist. 34 Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton to find out their thoughts on Legislature’s hot topics this year.

Each of the four lawmakers was generally happy with the way their colleagues spent the state’s $475 million cash reserve. The state dipped into the reserve to move the State Fair, match federal funds for roads and pay Republican River irrigators. But the overall amount used was dwarfed by the amount legislators chose to save, something that pleased the area’s senators, who advised setting aside money for tougher economic times. None of the area’s senators were particularly excited about the Legislature’s compromise of using cash reserves to help match federal highway funds after Gov. Dave Heineman vetoed an increase in the state’s gas tax.

McDonald, Burling and Aguilar said they’d prefer to fund the roads primarily through a user fee, like a gas tax, which those passing through the state would help pay. In Central Nebraska, the Legislature’s true big-ticket item was its decision to move the State Fair to Grand Island. Naturally, all four senators were enthusiastic about the opportunity for the area. Dubas, on the other hand, acknowledged some surprise, even though she was a member of the Agriculture Committee that helped craft the bill. “I didn’t see it coming,” she said. “I really didn’t think the State Fair would leave Lincoln.”