LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A
legislative committee has killed a measure that would have given
Nebraska-based companies an edge over out-of-state companies when
bidding on state contracts.
The Legislature's Government, Military
and Veterans Affairs Committee reported Monday that it has indefinitely
postponed the bill.
Supporters argued that the bill would help
local businesses that employ Nebraska residents and pay state taxes, but
opponents voiced concerns that bidding preferences would increase the
cost for taxpayers.
The bill was supported by Blue Cross &
Blue Shield, the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, and the Veterans in Business
Forum. It was opposed by the Department of Administrative Services, the
Department of Roads, and several groups that represent building and
general contractors.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Heath Mello.
