LINCOLN- As expected, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has vetoed a legislative proposal seeking to allow local municipalities and counties to adopt safe syringes programs. Pillen submitted a letter explaining his decision to veto Legislative Bill 307, which passed 30-7 last Thursday. Pillen pointed to the cost and a number of concerns he had with the bill as he delivered the veto.

According to the governor, syringe services programs, or SSPs: Have led to increased drug deaths where they have been implemented. Are not effective at decreasing drug usage or disease transmission compared to other means. Have the potential to expose citizens to unintended, “yet equally concerning” health and safety risks due to improperly disposed needles.

“Simply put, adoption of LB 307 has the potential to expose our communities to the same issues that others have experienced,” Pillen wrote. “We should support less deadly ways of combating drug usage and the spreading of diseases.” Hunt, who expected a veto, said in a Monday tweet that lawmakers will override it. An override requires at least 30 votes.

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