Contact Information:
Greater Omaha Chamber
Brandon Pappas; VP Marketing and Communication
402.978.7919
bpappas@omahachamber.org

Release Date: April 25, 2023

Greater Omaha Chamber Statement on Legislative Activity in Nebraska Unicameral

The Greater Omaha Chamber has issued the following statement related to recent discussions in the Nebraska Legislature, and the importance of maintaining focus on economic development, workforce development, and a positive business environment:

“As the lead economic development organization for the region, the Greater Omaha Chamber is on the front line of ensuring our community can recruit and retain a talented workforce. For these reasons, the policy areas of workforce development and ensuring Nebraska is a welcoming place have joined the long-standing policy pillars of maintaining a tax policy and necessary economic tools to make Nebraska competitive. This is consistent with the recommendations from Blueprint Nebraska that inclusivity is the right thing to do. It is suitable for business and good for Nebraska.

While, as a chamber, we are not equipped to weigh in on issues that involve personal medical care decisions or medical decisions regarding parents, their children, and their healthcare professionals, we are prepared to speak up and remain fully committed to the ongoing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion as an essential element of workforce development and community placemaking. We ask our elected officials to focus their work on being part of the long-term solution on the policy matters of the highest importance to Nebraskans and position our state as the best that it can be, particularly on issues that work against and threaten Nebraska as the warm and welcoming state we know it to be.

The best of Nebraska is not demonstrated by divisive ongoing political fighting on a national stage. The best of Nebraska is demonstrated by a healthy discussion where all voices are heard and which strives toward a consensus decision to move us forward. We all want our state to remain a great place that is supportive and inclusive, with a focus on creating the best environment to do business and live. And we want the entire country to know that Nebraska is, in fact, for everyone.”

Carmen Tapio, Chair, Greater Omaha Chamber
Tim Burke, Interim President and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber