Baker: State's helmet law 'flawed'

State Sen. Tom Baker defended his position on a bill that would repeal the state's motorcycle helmet law this morning during his weekly McCook Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee teleconferecnce call.

Nebraska has a flawed law, Baker told the group. "When was the last time there was a ticket written for riding without a helmet? Baker queried.

Even if riders do wear helmets, they are often the "skull" type helmets, not approved by the State of Nebraska.

The State of Nebraska does not require any type of education, he pointed out. Other states have comprehensive training.

In order for Nebraska to implement the type of training it needs to ensure better safety for motorcyclists, it will have to reach some kind of compromise.

"We're going to have to let those few people who want to go without a helmet and become organ donors have their way," he said.

The Legislature hopes to get through several bills this week, including those dealing with methamphetamine regulation, the motorcycle helmet law, carrying concealed weapons, and assault on an unborn child, before moving on to the budget process next week.

Many of the bills on the agenda are being filibustered by Sen. Ernie Chambers in order to put off debate on some controversial bills before the Legislature.

Baker said a majority of the Legislature has agreed to vote for cloture to end Chambers' filibusters despite how they feel about the bills. "Then they can vote the way the want to on the bill," he said.

Senators most likely will begin addressing the state's proposed budget of $6.1 billion next week.

Baker said supporters of the economic incentive package are hoping for good news from the Economic Forecasting Board. That package will cost around $50 million. The state already has $22 million set aside for flexible discretionary spending.

Supporters are hoping the additional $28 million will be available after the Forecasting Board's meeting Thursday.

Baker said a report that his priority bill that would exempt businesses from paying sales tax on equipment was misquoted. The exemption will cost the state $6.1 million instead of the nearly $29 million reported in another newspaper. That exemption will be most beneficial to smaller businesses since larger businesses already receive tax breaks on the purchase of equipment, Baker said.