April 2008
U.S. Water News Online
LINCOLN, Neb. — State lawmakers have turned down the governor's veto of a measure to require Nebraska towns with at least 1,000 residents to add fluoride to their drinking water.
Governor Dave Heineman called the bill an unfunded mandate.
Communities can opt out of the proposed law. The governor said the cost of a ballot initiative to do so would be passed on to taxpayers.
Some cities have already opted out of a law passed in the 1970s requiring fluoride. They will have to vote again to remain exempt.
The goal of the measure is reduce tooth decay.