Meghan Youker

LINCOLN (KPTM) - Nebraska lawmakers get to work trying to close a projected $334 million shortfall in the state's two-year budget.  A special session to address the problem got underway Wednesday in Lincoln.

The first bills introduced came from the desk of Governor Dave Heineman.  To pull the state out of the red, he's recommending state senators make across the board cuts to state agencies and programs, as well as targeted reductions and cash transfers from specific funds.  "At first blush, looking at the proposal that was put forth by the governor, I appreciate what he's done.  It's probably the same approach I would have taken," said Sen. Tony Fulton.  "Now we have to get into the details."

Others say the governor took a "band-aid" approach to a problem that needs lasting solutions.

Senator Heath Mello of Omaha wants to look at consolidating state programs and agencies and eliminating more than two thousand vacant jobs.  "We have to be able to have a thoughtful debate during this special session and to have a thoughtful debate, we have to be able to look long term for long term solutions rather than quick fixes," he said.

The governor's plan also includes a nearly five percent cut in state aid to K through 12 education next fiscal year.  That means overall, schools won't get any more state money than they did this year.  "In the broad picture, 47 million dollars, we'll do our best to get there and minimize the pain to school districts, try to spread the pain out as fairly as we can," said Sen. Greg Adams, chairperson of the Education Committee.

Some believe it will force school districts to raise taxes to avoid deep cuts in the classroom.  It comes at a time when the state is giving tax breaks to property owners.  "Why are we giving property tax relief to out of state corporations when we are going to cut K-12 education, which may raise property taxes on Nebraska homeowners?" asked Sen. Jeremy Nordquist.

Some senators also don't like the governor's idea to take cash away from agencies supported only by fees.  That would include money farmers pay that is supposed to go specifically to researching and promoting their product.

The Appropriations Committee begins hearings Thursday.  The special session is expected to last at least two weeks, with a cost of $10,000 a day.