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Senators warn proposed budget cuts would reduce problem-solving courts and reentry services
Summary
Members of the Nebraska Legislature said proposed cuts in the mainline budget would reduce funding for problem-solving courts, probation services and reentry programs; several senators argued that reducing those programs could increase incarceration and long-term costs.
Lincoln
During the floor debate on the mainline budget, multiple senators from both parties flagged cuts to problem-solving courts, post-release supervision and juvenile probation services that the Judicial Branch and county partners said would take effect July 1 if the committee's package moved forward without changes.
Senators including Dungan, Spivey, Fredericksen and Rountree said they received notices from judicial officials that the proposed funding reductions would eliminate or scale back several problem-solving court programs: DUI problem-solving court (Lancaster County), mental-health problem solving court (Sarpy County), veterans treatment court (Sarpy) and a drug court in Platte County. The Judicial Branch told appropriations in writing that those operations would be reduced or eliminated and that transitional-living reimbursements for adults on probation and services for juveniles on probation could be cut.
"If we pull the funding for these programs, we're going to be losing investments that reduce recidivism and make communities safer," Senator Dungan said. Several senators cited research and local testimony showing that graduates of problem-solving courts have lower recidivism than people processed through incarceration alone.
Lawmakers who supported the committee package argued that the Appropriations Committee tried to protect important programs while balancing revenue declines; proponents also cited one-time cash funds and carryover as ways to smooth agency budgets into the next biennium. Senator Clemens said agencies were being asked to use carryover in the near term.
Several senators also debated the state's prison construction plans and deferred-maintenance requests. Some argued that deferred maintenance at the Nebraska State Penitentiary should be funded rather than appropriating new construction dollars; others said investments in rehabilitation and reentry would reduce long-term corrections costs.
Outcome and next steps: The mainline package advanced; senators who raised concerns said they will return to the floor on select file to press for restored funding or alternative revenue to protect problem-solving courts and reentry services.
