4/9/08-The Legislature has voted to override a veto from Gov. Dave Heineman that allows the state’s fuel tax to increase by about 1.2 cents per gallon.
The increase will generate about $14.5 million for the Department of Roads next year. The funds will be used to cover the agency’s rising salaries and health insurance costs without dipping into construction funds.
Heineman previously vetoed the portion of the state budget – LB959 – that required a fuel tax increase starting July 1, 2008. In the days following the veto, senators took up pursuit of the 30 votes needed to override the governor. The override attempt passed on a 34-15 vote.