Special session begins Wednesday

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Lincoln, NE – Nebraska lawmakers return to Lincoln Wednesday for the start of what could be a two-week long special session.

Governor Dave Heineman is expected Monday to officially call lawmakers back in to session to deal with budget issues. The state faces a $335 million budget shortfall due to declining tax receipts. The Governor says a tax increase is off the table and no state agency is safe from budget cuts.

Senator Lavon Heidemann is chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He says they'll hold public hearings with each state agency and commission on their budget.

State law requires the special session to last at least one week. Heidemann expects the session to last a minimum of two weeks.