A proposed bill would eliminate the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling and transfer its services to the state Department of Health and Human Services with reduced funding.
LB-1072 was introduced on behalf of Governor Pete Pillen last week. The bill would eliminate the state organization that connects people to free counseling services for gambling addiction.
Under the proposal, funding would drop from $1.5 million to $900,000 as services transfer to DHHS.
Mike Sciandra, executive director of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling, said the decision could hurt Nebraska families.
“Without that treatment, I truly believe I would be dead or in jail at this point,” Sciandra said.
