LINCOLN — A bill that attempts to force Gov. Pete Ricketts’ hand in applying for $120 million in emergency federal rental assistance is one step closer to being approved. The Nebraska Legislature advanced the measure to the final vote Wednesday, March 16 on a voice vote.

Ricketts has made it clear that he does not intend to apply for the second round of pandemic-related rent and utility funds, as "the storm has passed." He also said, "We must guard against becoming a welfare state."

Before the bill went to a vote on Wednesday, Ricketts tweeted a message asking his supporters to call their senators and "urge them to vote no."

Legislative Bill 1073 is a priority of Sen. Matt Hansen who commented that Nebraska is one of only two states that haven't applied for the already-earmarked rental and utility funds available under the American Rescue Plan Act. The $120 million would be dispersed to other states if Nebraska does not apply by the end of March. While the bill advanced to final reading with 29 votes of support, the body will need 30 votes to override a governor's veto.

Hansen said the third vote will be scheduled so the Legislature can respond to a Ricketts veto. If this is necessary, Hansen said, "I feel optimistic."

Earlier in the legislative session, several rural nonprofit groups testified that rental assistance was needed in their areas. A concern among these nonprofit groups is that the application process could be too difficult to navigate and that it could be a reason why the first round of the funds had not yet been distributed.

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