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Because of the success in obtaining legislative funding for the internship program, last year the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, Grand Island Tourism, Grow Grand Island, and a contingent of business leaders extended our relationship with the lobbying firm. Our lobbyists work directly with the Nebraska Legislature on issues of importance to the Grand Island business community. Ensuring Grand Island was “at the table” when program funding was debated and distributed became our new aspiration. We could not afford to sit by idly and watch state funds be allocated to eastern Nebraska or other outstate communities with a stronger legislative presence.
Grand Island is reaping the rewards of this initiative and the resultant progressing recognition of the importance of Grand Island’s business community to the state. Grand Island leaders are building relationships with senators and their staff. Senators Aguilar and Lippincott are knowledgeable about the projects Grand Island is working on and speak loudly and often about them. In 2024, the following is our focus. These bills have been introduced or supported by our Senators:
- LB600 - The Economic Opportunity Program would increase funding allocated and expand eligible communities to include cities of the first and second class and villages. The funding is for projects that lead to increased economic development by the private sector. Senator Lippincott has prioritized this bill.
- In his State of the State Address, Governor Jim Pillen supports investing an additional $25 million into the Rural Workforce Housing Fund to build the housing needed for our workforce.
- LB1103 – Senator Ray Aguilar introduced this bill which would provide financial assistance via state tourism grants to help with recruitment of livestock, 4-H, and other regional or national shows to our community.
- LB1374 – This is an amendment to legislation passed in 2023 that would encourage transformational projects within a Good Life District to include “…infrastructure or facilities that are publicly owned or used by or at the direction of the Nebraska State Fair Board…”.
Today we can say, with confidence, the Nebraska Legislature can hear us!
