Budget-cutting session begins

LINCOLN - The gavel fell this afternoon to start the first budget-cutting special session of the Nebraska Legislature since 2002.

Today's agenda included the introduction of bills and the seating of the Legislature's newest member, State Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha.

Krist was appointed this summer to replace Sen. Mike Friend, who now oversees the state's new office of violence prevention.

The number of bills will be much lower than in a regular legislative session.

Five bills were being introduced to carry out Gov. Dave Heineman's plan for cutting $336 million from the two-year, $6.94 billion state budget.

The bills would reduce previously approved spending for state agencies and programs. They also would provide for transfers of money from various cash funds. One would change the formula for state aid to schools.

State senators can introduce additional bills. But the Legislature can consider only those that fall within the purpose of the special session, as determined by the governor.

The session is expected to last at least into the third week of November.