Legislature needs more time to work

Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

Every year, it seems, the story is the same in the Nebraska Legislature, whether it's during the 60-day session, as is the case this year, or during the 90-day session, as will be the situation in 2003.

There's never enough time to wade through all the pending legislative bills.

Take this year for example. With 20 days left in the 60-day session, Robynn Tysver of the Omaha World-Herald points out that it will be difficult, if not impossible for the lawmakers to come to grips with all the issues before them, including repeal of the motorcycle helmet law, legalization of Indian casino gambling, authorization of lethal injection for executions and banning employment discrimination against gays.

And, over and above all this, the legislators have to face up to revenue shortfalls, which will have to be dealt with because deficit spending is forbidden by Nebraska law.

According to an article in this morning's Nebraska StatePaper.com report, the budget document now before lawmakers would trim $65 million from the state's previous spending plans.

Included in the proposal is a plan to cut $22 million of the money the state sends to public school districts, thereby forcing a likely increase in local property taxes.

Another part of the plan is a 20-cent per pack increase in cigarette taxes. While that's a hefty amount, the 20-cent per pack tax is still far less than the 50 cents per pack proposed by Gov. Mike Johanns.

With so much on their plates, it's a virtual certainty the lawmakers are going to have to leave lots left undone when they adjourn in four weeks.

It can be argued -- and justifiably so -- that lawmakers would have something left undone no matter how long they met, even if it were almost year-around, as is the case with the U.S. Senate or House or Representatives.

Even so, it appears the time is approaching when Nebraska needs to consider lengthening the off-year session from 60 days to 90 days.

More and more is being pushed aside in the rush to adjourn. Ninety days every other year is simply not enough. As the issues facing Nebraska become more complex and controversial, the 0ne-house, 49-member legislature needs more time to pass laws and enact policy.

A 90-day session -- every year -- would be a good start in that direction.