‘The sky’s the limit’: Nebraska Chamber lays out plan for state’s growth in 2023

LINCOLN, Neb (KLKN) – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce says it has a number of plans to draw more workers to Nebraska and expand business here.

Chamber President Bryan Slone said last year’s investments in communities, the workforce and infrastructure helped to pave the way for new growth in the state.

This year, the chamber wants to keep up the pace in economic recovery and global competitiveness.

Slone said some of the focuses for this year are advancing affordable housing and child care, working with the governor’s office on tax relief, increasing legal immigration and innovating technology.

He says these areas will help to draw in the next generation of young workers.

“This next generation goes where technology jobs are, and the future of our industries are very much in the technology element of those industries, so we need to be known as a technology state,” Slone said.

The chamber said Nebraska’s economy has remained strong despite the pandemic because of the money saved during years of economic growth.

Slone said one of the best ways for Nebraska to address worker shortages and continue growth is by finding a way to allow thousands of immigrants to legally live and work in the state.

“If we just had a process for making that happen on a legal basis, it would mean the world to economic opportunity and the ability to continue to grow our communities,” he said.

The chamber said there’s a number of bills it is watching in the current legislative session that will help accomplish those goals.

Some of those bills include LB 610, which matches some federal funding for higher education; LB 416, which would help remote workers to work at Nebraska companies; and LB 582, which would launch a pilot program for manufacturers to modernize and address worker shortages.

“I’ve never been more optimistic about where Nebraska is and where it’s going,” Slone said. “I think the sky’s the limit for this state in terms of competitive ability, not only within the United States, but globally.”