2022 Legislative Session Preview

The 2022 Legislative Session is underway after lawmakers returned to the Capitol here in Lincoln on January 5. The shorter 60-day session will continue to focus on several important, ongoing issues in our state as we prepare for another significant session in the Unicameral. Ultimately, there is a full gamut of crucial issues to address as debate will focus on several key items.

Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many issues impacting business will remain at the heart of debate and discussion this year. A great opportunity exists to invest in key programs and initiatives throughout our state from federal pandemic recovery assistance, which could be transformational to many long-term projects.
Workforce development is without a doubt the most talked about issue across the state, dominating discussion as unfilled jobs remain a challenge for most businesses. Areas such as talent attraction, business recruitment and expanding opportunities for everyone remain top of mind to our workforce development efforts as we look to continue our economic prosperity and grow our state.

Lincoln senators have long championed the need for development of our workforce and increased recruitment strategies--we appreciate their continued efforts, and we will continue to work with them in advancing legislation that helps move this work forward.

Other issues, such as expanding affordable housing options, improving infrastructure, taxes, education and childcare will also be important topics of debate throughout the session. On the topic of affordable housing, it is likely that the efforts of the South of Downtown Community Development Organization and others across Lincoln and across the state should be boosted by American Recuse Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

In addition to the over $1 billion in federal funding provided under ARPA, the bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted last year by Congress will send an additional $2.5 billion for transportation system improvements, and additional millions for statewide broadband expansion, bridge repair, environmental protections and other infrastructure improvements and resiliency. There is a real opportunity to identify and prioritize proposals that, with targeted investments, could lead to generational impacts on Nebraskans going forward.

Building off the success of the 2021 session, which saw passage of the COVID-19 Liability Protection Act, passage of Shovel-Ready Grants for local ballfields and other projects, social security and corporate tax cuts, tax relief for military retirees and recovery programs for businesses, there remains much work to do in the 2022 session. 

The Lincoln Chamber, Omaha Chamber and the NE chamber have continued our collaborative work with other economic development partners in developing American Rescue Plan Act proposals keyed in Workforce, Mega Site Strategy, Innovation and DE&I. Our aim is to continue to advance pro-growth policies. To sustain and expand Nebraska’s economy, targeted investment in Nebraska’s businesses and workers would not only provide immediate assistance to those impacted by the pandemic but also make a significant and long lasting difference in advancing Nebraska’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, play and compete. 

Our chief objective remains to advance Lincoln business interests and address matters that are essential to helping grow those businesses and our community. Incredible opportunity lies ahead, and we are confident it will be used to help further our mission at the Chamber.