Politics & Elections

The candidates for Nebraska’s Second Congressional District participated in their second debate Friday. With more here’s Omaha Public Radio’s Cheril Lee…

An amended version of Governor Dave Heineman’s tax cut plan is awaiting second-round debate in the Unicameral.

The tax cut plan passed the first round of debate earlier this week. Governor Dave Heineman originally called for $327 million dollars worth of tax cuts over three years. In addition to income taxes, the plan would’ve cut corporate income taxes and ended the state’s inheritance tax.

Senator Lavon Heidemann, chairman of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, says the amended plan is now $97.2 million. The inheritance tax remains part of state law.

Voters in Nebraska’s Second Congressional District have opportunities Thursday and Friday to hear from the candidates.

The Sierra Club of Nebraska is sponsoring a candidate forum Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Omaha. The forum will focus on environmental issues and public transportation. Democratic candidates Gwen Howard and John Ewing, and Republican candidates Jack Heidel and Glenn Freeman, will participate in tonight’s forum.

The Nebraska Republican Party is challenging Democratic Senate candidate Bob Kerrey’s candidacy in court.

GOP officials filed the lawsuit Tuesday afternoon in Lancaster County District Court. It’s in response to Secretary of State John Gale’s ruling last Friday that Kerrey can remain on the ballot. Kerrey registered to vote February 28th in Douglas County, and declared his candidacy the next day.

Nebraska Republican Party chairman Mark Fahleson says they want an expedited review of Gale’s ruling, and Kerrey’s name removed from the ballot.

Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle has signed an ordinance banning discrimination in all public places on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Mayor Suttle signed the ordinance Thursday at City Hall. The city council narrowly approved it Tuesday on a 4-3 vote. It bans discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals in the workplace and all public places.