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Nebraska Gambling Debate Stalls Legislative Progress

NEBRASKA -- As reported by the Daily Nebraskan: ``It was a day for legislative rules as the sound of impasse scraped noisily across the chamber floor on Monday. Lawmakers continued debating a resolution that would amend the constitution to allow up to eight casinos in Nebraska.

``Sen. Adrian Smith of Gering, as the resolution's most outspoken opponent, used the rules of the floor repeatedly to argue that expanded gambling was the wrong choice for Nebraska.

``…Some in the Legislature have criticized Smith for adding amendments despite his admission that he probably will not support the bill in the end.

``After a weekend of deal making, Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln, co-sponsor of the bill, approached the body on Monday with an amendment that embodied portions of Smith's failed amendments.

``The amendment would do three things: reduce the number of allowed casinos from eight to five, require a local vote even if the Legislature authorizes a casino in a given county and give only the Legislature the power to authorize a casino despite gambling initiatives passed by the public…"

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