Nebraska senators hear LR300 to form interim economic development task force
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Summary
Senator Ashley Spivey introduced LR300 to create a special interim legislative task force aimed at coordinating economic development policy statewide; chambers and business groups urged support while members pressed for focused scope and regional input. No vote was taken at the hearing.
Senator Ashley Spivey (District 13) introduced LR300 to the Executive Board, proposing a special interim task force of state senators to study economic development and deliver policy recommendations to the Legislature.
"It creates that intentional dialogue and would create a special committee of state senators to have that conversation in the interim and put forward then policy recommendations," Spivey said, framing the proposal as a way to build a coordinated, proactive approach rather than piecemeal responses.
Why it matters: Supporters told the committee that Nebraska faces structural and regional economic challenges — from shifting global competition for talent and capital to state infrastructure and workforce concerns — that cross standing committees and require sustained, cross‑jurisdictional attention. Testimony emphasized that a short, focused interim process could produce a usable report for 2026 while setting the stage for more extensive work in subsequent years.
Business and chamber leaders urged the board to advance LR300. Heath Mello, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, told senators, "LR300 correctly recognizes that Nebraska's economic competitiveness would benefit from a more coordinated, deliberate, and forward looking policy approach," and said the chamber would help provide data and third‑party research. Jason Ball, president and CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, cautioned against “single easy answers” and stressed infrastructure and energy readiness alongside incentives.
Committee members pressed proponents on structure and scope. Speaker Arch asked how LR300 would avoid duplicating work done across standing committees and how the task force would include higher‑education and community‑college voices. Proponents recommended legislative leadership define a tight set of priorities and use outside partners to do detailed research so lawmakers can act on distilled recommendations.
Senate staff noted LR300 is an LR (interim resolution) that runs through the end of the calendar year; Spivey said meetings would occur this year with a report expected for the body in 2026. Supporters repeatedly urged broad geographic and sector representation to address urban‑rural differences and ensure local economic developers and community colleges inform statewide strategy.
What the hearing did not do: The Executive Board held a hearing and took testimony but did not vote on LR300. The record included two letters in support and none in opposition; the committee closed public testimony and Spivey offered closing remarks.
Next steps: The committee may take up amendments or an advancement motion in a future Executive Board meeting. If advanced, the LR would create the interim forum proponents describe and produce a report for the Legislature in 2026.
