On October 16, Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale says calls for a public hearing on initiatives created by citizens in all three districts. Everyone was given the chance to speak for or against an issue.
By adding video keno, keno would expand in Nebraska through the Initiative 421. Those who do not support the initiative say it will expand crime, addiction, and bankruptcy while supporters estimate it would double keno revenue, which would go back to local communities.
"It's a game we already have in Nebraska for more than 20 years," said Bill Harvey, General Council for Big Red Keno, "Once the initiative passes there's not one county, city, or village that has to do anything they can each make their own decision do they want video keno or do they not."
Referendum 422 would repeal LB 126, a bill that made Nebraska's class one and k-12 districts schools to merge. And based on three factors Initiative 423 would limit increased state spending.
It would make communities raise taxes to make up for state money lost, opponents say.
"What it will do is change the mindset in our elected officials across the board and say Nebraskans want our government to be efficient," said Mike Groene, sponsor of initiative 423.
Wednesday, November 08 , 2006
John Sullivan
