State senator, constitutional officer salary funding advanced

Lawmakers gave first-round approval April 11 to two bills that are part of the state’s two-year budget package.

LB815, introduced by Speaker John Arch of La Vista at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, would appropriate funds for the $12,000 annual salaries of members of the Legislature.

Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh offered a series of motions and amendments in order to extend debate on the bill, none of which were adopted. After several hours of discussion, lawmakers advanced LB815 to select file on a 45-1 vote.

LB816, also introduced by Arch at the request of the governor, would appropriate funds for the salaries and benefits for judges and the state’s constitutional officers — including the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general and auditor of public accounts, among others.

An Appropriations Committee amendment, adopted 41-0, made minor adjustments to dollar amounts in LB816 based on benefit calculations. Following adoption of the amendment, lawmakers voted 40-0 to give the measure first-round approval.