Senators fail to override governor’s veto on expanding SNAP benefits for felons

An attempt to override a gubernatorial veto on a bill expanding SNAP benefits to people convicted of certain drug felonies came up short Monday.

Currently, Nebraska law prohibits anyone with three or more drug-related felony charges or any drug distribution charge from accessing federal SNAP benefits. A bill, LB319, from Sen. Victor Rountree would have removed those restrictions, as long as the beneficiaries had completed their sentences and participated in a substance abuse treatment program.

The bill passed last week with 32 votes, but Gov. Jim Pillen vetoed it.

Rountree encouraged other senators to override the governor’s veto Monday.

“As I look around this Unicameral, I recognize that everyone needs to eat. Everyone. Denying a stable food source to those reentering their community does not support long term stability finding work and gaining independence,” he said.

Sen. Bob Andersen agreed with the governor’s veto and said federal Medicaid funds could be better spent in other ways.

“If you take the money and you give it to career criminals, so you give them food stamps and everything else, what about other people that need it?” he asked. “What about an abuse victim? What about a single parent? What about any number of people that are in need?”

Only 24 senators voted to override Pillen’s veto, well short of the 30 required. Seven senators changed their votes from the previous round.

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Pillen vetoes bill expanding SNAP benefits for felons, override attempt likely

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