LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The Nebraska Legislature narrowly voted against overriding the veto of Governor Ricketts, falling short by a single vote.
During debate, conservative senators said we don't need the money and that lawmakers shouldn't push back on the governor over this issue.
"I think this calls into question the separation of powers issue because here we are trying to tell the executive branch how to run the state,” said Sen. Mike Moser.
The roughly $120 million of rent assistance would have been spread out across the state, with the veto sustained, some parts of the state are still getting the money.
“This entire vote is about 56 million that can go to rural Nebraska or completely disappear,” said Sen. Justin Wayne.
So now, Lancaster and Douglas County will get around $80 million in assistance.
Conservative senator Tom Briese believed it also would have helped housing issues in rural communities and landlords who are waiting on money.
“And rent assistance, like we’re talking here, can help ensure that landlords get paid,” said Briese.
But other rural senators said there are plenty of jobs out there. And those who can’t pay rent should get to work.
“Let’s put them to work. There are jobs out there. You can get a better-paying job now. More than in the past,” said Sen. John Lowe.
There are still ongoing eviction hearings Tuesday, and one volunteer attorney helping out saying there’s still a real need for this money.
“We are seeing folks facing eviction at an alarming rate and if this rental assistance goes away, we’re going to see a tsunami of homelessness in our community,” said Dave Pantos, an attorney.
Pantos has been helping out at these hearings for a while and says it’s common that people fell behind during COVID and are still catching up, despite sometimes working multiple jobs.
“There are so many people who are in the debt trap. They fell behind a few weeks and since a lot of folks are working paycheck to paycheck, this is the extra help they need to get caught up,” said Pantos.
From the original vote, three senators changed their votes to 'yes.' And one possible 'yes' vote, Senator Rich Pahls of Omaha, was out sick today.
On a narrow vote - the Legislature did not vote to override the veto on rental assistance. It was one vote short.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) April 5, 2022
Now roughly $80 million will go to Lincoln and Omaha and none for rural Nebraska. https://t.co/jX3XMDO3oO
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