Senators Kill State Radio Network Plan
Lincoln Journal Star - Saturday/28Feb04
BY DON WALTON
The proposal to levy a surcharge on electric bills to fund a statewide radio communications network is over and out.
Members of the Legislature's Revenue Committee made it clear Thursday they're saving the possibility of an electricity surcharge as a potential vehicle to fund a $151 million judgment against the state in the low-level nuclear waste lawsuit.
A motion to kill LB1176, the proposed statewide wireless communication system for public safety and utility personnel, won 4-1 support with two senators withholding their votes. Although that count fell one vote short of formally killing the bill, it signaled the end of its consideration this session.
Revenue Chairman David Landis of Lincoln said an electrical surcharge is one of the sensible options for paying off the judgment.
LB657, a bill to levy such a surcharge, remains in the committee in the event the state should decide to settle the lawsuit before senators adjourn for the year rather than proceed with appeals to either the full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals or the U.S. Supreme Court, or both.
The proposed communications network received a public hearing Wednesday and was supported by law enforcement officers and other emergency responders. Sponsored by Sen. Mick Mines of Blair, LB1176 would have paid for the radio network, whose cost was estimated between $75 million and $100 million.
Lincoln Journal Star - Saturday/28Feb04
BY DON WALTON
The proposal to levy a surcharge on electric bills to fund a statewide radio communications network is over and out.
Members of the Legislature's Revenue Committee made it clear Thursday they're saving the possibility of an electricity surcharge as a potential vehicle to fund a $151 million judgment against the state in the low-level nuclear waste lawsuit.
A motion to kill LB1176, the proposed statewide wireless communication system for public safety and utility personnel, won 4-1 support with two senators withholding their votes. Although that count fell one vote short of formally killing the bill, it signaled the end of its consideration this session.
Revenue Chairman David Landis of Lincoln said an electrical surcharge is one of the sensible options for paying off the judgment.
LB657, a bill to levy such a surcharge, remains in the committee in the event the state should decide to settle the lawsuit before senators adjourn for the year rather than proceed with appeals to either the full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals or the U.S. Supreme Court, or both.
The proposed communications network received a public hearing Wednesday and was supported by law enforcement officers and other emergency responders. Sponsored by Sen. Mick Mines of Blair, LB1176 would have paid for the radio network, whose cost was estimated between $75 million and $100 million.