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New African American Affairs Commission seeks permanent staff and strategic plan to address disparities
Summary
Simone Smith, executive director, said the commission (formed in 2020) has two temporary staff and is seeking permanent positions and a consultant for a strategic plan; the commission also outlined early program priorities like a State of African American Affairs report and a scholarship program tied to MLK events.
Simone Smith, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs, briefed the Appropriations Committee on the commission's early accomplishments, staffing needs and planned priorities, and asked for support to establish permanent positions.
Smith said she was hired in August 2024 and described the commission's mission to improve educational, economic and health outcomes for African Americans in Nebraska through policy, advocacy, education and community engagement. She said the commission currently employs two staff through temporary state hiring processes and is actively seeking permanent full-time positions.
Smith provided an overview of position-salary information the commission has reviewed: she said the commission's total position-salary level (PSL) is shown at about $190,000 and explained a breakdown that equates to roughly $188,677 annually based on 2,080 hours. The commission said it expects budget pressures related to creating permanent positions and possible raises or overtime costs.
The commission is planning two priority programs while it finalizes a strategic plan with a consultant: an annual "State of African American Affairs in Nebraska" forum and a Martin Luther King Jr. "Keep the Dream Alive" scholarship program. Smith said the strategic plan will shape longer-term initiatives across education, economic development, health, criminal justice and housing.
Tim Clark, the new commission chairperson, testified in support, emphasizing the commission's role in workforce readiness, education and reentry/criminal-justice issues. Smith asked for sustained financial support, expanded research capacity and strengthened community partnerships; no committee vote was recorded during the hearing.
