Group of lawmakers opposes spending cap

Group of lawmakers opposes spending cap
By The Associated Press

A group of 17 state lawmakers gathered at the Capitol on Monday to oppose a proposed cap on state spending on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Sen. Chris Beutler of Lincoln said that if the spending lid forces the Legislature to cut state aid to schools and local governments, property taxes might go up if those entities cannot make enough cuts.

The ballot initiative seeks a constitutional amendment that would tie state spending to cost-of-living and population changes.

Mike Groene, of North Platte, sponsored the petition drive with Americans for Limited Government of Glenview, Ill.

Groene has said the cap is needed because state spending will go up 7.8 percent and 7 percent, respectively, the next two years.

Lawmakers joining Beutler at the news conference were: Sens. Kermit Brashear, Pam Brown, Pat Bourne and Jim Jensen of Omaha; Sens. DiAnna Schimek, Ron Raikes and Marian Price of Lincoln; and Sens. Dennis Byars of Beatrice, Joel Johnson of Kearney; Mick Mines of Blair; Don Pederson of North Platte, Carol Hudkins of Malcolm. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, Arnie Stuthman of Platte Center; Matt Connealy of Decatur and Gail Kopplin of Gretna.