The Appropriations Committee heard testimony Feb. 3 on two bills that would provide funds to observe the state\u2019s 150th anniversary and to place fountains in the state Capitol Building courtyards.<\/p>\n
LB704, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, would create the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Fund and appropriate $2 million in general funds. The money would be used to observe and celebrate the 150th anniversary of Nebraska statehood in 2017.<\/p>\n
Avery said the bill is a companion to another measure he introduced that would establish a Sesquicentennial Commission to coordinate a statewide celebration of Nebraska\u2019s statehood anniversary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the seed money that the Commission needs to jump-start the fundraising effort around the state,\u201d Avery said.<\/p>\n
Allen Beermann testified in support of the bill, saying he served on two previous state commemorative commissions. He said a commitment of government funds sends a message to private donors that the state supports celebration efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes a great statement to private donors,\u201d Beermann said. \u201cAnd we have lots of private donors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nancy Fulton, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, also supported the bill, saying it would help school children appreciate Nebraska\u2019s history. The state appropriated $600,000 to Nebraska\u2019s centennial celebration, she said, which would be approximately $4.5 million in current dollars.<\/p>\n
Matt Litt, state director of Americans for Prosperity, testified in opposition to the bill, calling it a \u201c$2 million slush fund.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that Nebraska can celebrate her birthday without spending this many dollars,\u201d Litt said.<\/p>\n
The committee also heard testimony on LB797, introduced by Omaha Sen. John Nelson, which would create the Complete the Capitol Fund for the placement of a fountain in each of the state Capitol’s four courtyards.<\/p>\n
The bill would transfer $2.5 million in general funds to the Complete the Capitol Fund in the following increments:
\n$625,000 on July 1, 2014;
\n$1.25 million on July 1, 2015; and
\n$625,000 on July 1, 2016.<\/p>\n
The fund also would be authorized to accept gifts, grants, bequests or donations and could be used only for the construction and placement of the fountains. The state Capitol Commission would carry out work on the project.<\/p>\n
Nelson said the fountains would complete architect Bertram Goodhue’s original design for the Capitol when construction began in 1922. Under the bill, the fountains would be completed in time for Nebraska’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2017, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLB797 would provide a moderate amount of public funds to complete the project,\u201d Nelson said, adding that the building is a \u201cstate treasure\u201d that belongs to the people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe owe it to the people of Nebraska to complete its construction,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Bob Wickersham of the Nebraska Association of Former State Legislators testified in support of the bill, saying that water currently is not well represented in the architecture or artwork of the Capitol.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fountains could become \u2026 a recognition of the importance of water as a resource in the state of Nebraska,\u201d Wickersham said, adding that projected ongoing maintenance costs for the four fountains is $1,500 annually.<\/p>\n
Litt testified in opposition to LB797. Previous exterior renovation projects were necessary investments in the Capitol\u2019s structure, Litt said, but he questioned funding for decorative elements.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to draw the line between proper maintenance and things that are extra,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The committee took no immediate action on the bills.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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