Two state senators introduced bills Thursday in the Nebraska Legislature designed to block portions of Gov. Dave Heineman's budget recommendations to erase a $334 million state shortfall.

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Fullerton Sen. Annette Dubas introduced LB 11, which blocks Heineman's attempt to shift money from agricultural checkoff accounts into the general fund.

Checkoff fees are touted to be investments for further research and improvements by, say, the Corn or Ethanol Board. By transferring this money, many of boards have equated the fees to a tax.

Omaha Sen. Brenda Council, meanwhile, crafted LB 8, which blocks the transfer of $3 million from a job training fund into the general fund.

The job training fund assists workers with transitioning into higher-paying jobs, such as developing the computer skills of workers who may not have them.

Friday was the final day senators could introduce bills. Senators introduced four more.

LB13, introduced by Omaha Sen. Rich Pahls, would impose a sales tax on certain transactions in 2010. Pahls believes there are too many sales tax exemptions.

LB14, sponsored by Sen. LeRoy Louden of Ellsworth, would prohibit transfers and lapses from the Nebraska Brand Inspection and Theft Prevention Fund.

LB15, introduced by Omaha Sen. Tom White, would change provisions relating to property tax relief and change school aid appropriations.

LB16, sponsored by Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm, would change provisions relating to funding for certain economic development programs.

Committee hearing schedules for introduced bills may be accessed as they become available on the Legislature’s web site at http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar.

The Nebraska 'Unicameral Update' magazine contributed to this report.