LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts has signed a bill to extend educational benefits to veterans and their spouses, despite concerns that it could contradict Nebraska's same-sex marriage ban.
The Republican governor announced his decision Friday in a letter to lawmakers. The bill was passed to comply with congressional mandates so veterans can collect federal education benefits.
Ricketts says he agrees with the bill's goal, but is concerned about federal guidance that suggests states have to recognize same-sex marriages to participate in the federal program. He says he'll challenge any efforts to undermine Nebraska's constitution, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue says her bill was carefully crafted, and she disagrees with the governor but will work with him if a problem arises.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
Hiawatha street repair project approved
LATEST STORIES
Electrical distribution project upgrades for Falls City
NPPD warns downed power lines can be deadly
MHMA Mock Trial Team wins state, heads to natls
Nebraska students taking advantage of dual credit courses
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Bird flu found in two KS dairy herds
Brown Co certifies election results