Legislative Invoice 624 superior Thursday on a 36-0 vote, the primary of three rounds of debate. It could give the Division of Financial Improvement director a seat on the Nebraska Tourism Fee. 

The invoice, launched by State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, would shift the fee from its present 11 members to 13 members, together with the DED director, a gubernatorial appointee and a consultant of a state chamber of commerce.

McDonnell mentioned he provided the invoice as a result of he was displeased with the tourism slogan the fee chosen 5 years in the past: “Nebraska. Truthfully, it isn’t for everybody.” Earlier this week, fee government director John Ricks advised lawmakers that the slogan was going to be dropped.

Whereas the slogan goes to alter, McDonnell mentioned it is necessary to enhance communication between two companies that deal with comparable points.

Nobody voted in opposition to LB 624 Thursday, however Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha mentioned he deliberate to filibuster the invoice throughout its second spherical of debate. He additionally mentioned he would introduce a number of amendments to deal with elements of the invoice he disagreed with, and mentioned the tourism fee must signify extra areas and views in Nebraska. 

“There isn’t any variety of thought,” Wayne mentioned of the present fee.