LINCOLN — State budget tensions boiled over onto the floor of the Nebraska Legislature Thursday in the aftermath of lawmakers’ rejecting a $50 million proposal to increase the state’s cigarette tax. Lawmakers appear to be in a standoff over options to help fill the state’s projected budget deficit, which is listed at $125 million but in reality is closer to $140 million. Senators have plenty of avenues to solve the issue, but do any of them have enough support to pass?

On Thursday, several lawmakers expressed frustration over Wednesday’s vote. State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, who sits on the Appropriations Committee, said he plans to propose several options in committee that he previously did not support and feels he has no other choice but to back.

“Some of these other things I will vote for now that I had voted against,” Dorn said.

To read the full article, click HERE