Advocates say moving gamblers assistance, victim and veterans funds would harm vulnerable Nebraskans

Representatives for problem‑gambling treatment, victims' services and veterans urged the Appropriations Committee to reject or change provisions in LB1071 and LB1072 that reallocate dedicated funds.

Multiple witnesses — including Mike Sciandra of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling and testifiers who described their personal experiences — said removing the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling or cutting its specialized funding would reduce the availability of trained counselors and treatment services at a time of increased gambling access. "It is highly illogical and irresponsible to tear apart a program that has given thousands of Nebraskans a new outlook on life," Sciandra said.

Annie Boatwright, state forensic nursing coordinator and administrator of the sexual assault payment program, asked the committee to restore statutory language that guarantees ("shall pay") that the program will cover the full out‑of‑pocket cost of forensic medical exams for victims. Boatwright warned that changing the statute to "may pay" would convert a guaranteed service into a discretionary one and could lead to bills or denials for survivors.

Veterans organizations — including testimony from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion — objected to proposed transfers from the Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund. Witnesses explained the fund's origin as a long‑standing endowment designated for emergency aid, and warned that sweeping principal or authorizing perpetual transfers would erode a century‑old commitment to veterans in crisis.

Testifiers across these topics asked the committee to leave dedicated funds intact, to identify alternate revenue sources, or to provide stronger statutory protections (for victims and veterans) before allowing transfers.

The committee did not adopt changes at the hearing; senators requested additional technical information from the administering agencies.