Today marks Day 60 and the final day of the 2026 legislative session, bringing the biennium to a close. Lawmakers returned to Lincoln for the final day reserved for veto override attempts and the ceremonial close of session. This year, Governor Pillen issued five vetoes, though none were overridden by the Legislature. But before the session reached its closing moments, the Legislature and Governor delivered on the Greater Omaha Chamber’s top priority for the session.
We also want to thank the Chamber members who have been involved in legislative advocacy throughout this session. Much of the success achieved this year was made possible by your engagement, your outreach, and your willingness to speak up on behalf of policies that support economic growth and a stronger business climate in Nebraska. That kind of advocacy makes a real difference, and we are grateful for the role our members played throughout the process. In the coming weeks, we will also be releasing a full end-of-session update with a broader look at the outcomes of this year’s work.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the departing members of the Legislature who have served the state and our region with dedication throughout their tenure. We are especially grateful to the retiring senators; Speaker John Arch, Senator Christy Armendariz, Senator Tom Brandt, Senator Machaela Cavanaugh, Senator Rob Clements, Senator Wendy DeBoer, Senator Myron Dorn, Senator Ben Hansen, Senator Megan Hunt, Senator Fred Meyer, Senator Mike Moser, Senator Dave Murman, and Senator Jane Raybould for their years of public service. These senators have each contributed meaningfully to the work of the Legislature and to the strength of Nebraska’s communities. We wish them well in their future endeavors.
LB1165 Signed Into Law
LB1165, the Grow the Good Life Act (introduced by Senator Brad von Gillern), was signed into law by Governor Pillen yesterday afternoon after passing the Legislature on a 42-7 vote. Its enactment marks one of the most significant economic development wins Nebraska has advanced in recent years and sends a clear signal that Nebraska is serious about competing for jobs, talent, and investment at a time when other states are moving aggressively to do the same.
LB1165 modernizes and strengthens Nebraska’s economic development toolkit across several fronts. The legislation enhances performance-based incentives under the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, creates a targeted wage retention credit for qualifying employers undergoing a change in ownership or control, expands flexibility for childcare support, and introduces new mechanisms to attract and retain workforce talent. It also includes provisions related to site readiness and workforce recruitment. Taken together, the package reflects a broader strategy to help Nebraska retain major employers, compete for transformational projects, and support the kind of long-term economic growth that benefits communities across the state.
For the business community, the importance of LB1165 is difficult to overstate. In an increasingly competitive national landscape, states that fail to maintain modern, performance-based tools risk falling behind in the competition for major employers, capital investment, and the talent that follows. The Grow the Good Life Act positions Nebraska to compete with the best of them, and to do so with tools that are tied to real performance and real results.
The Greater Omaha Chamber played an active role in the development and advancement of LB1165 throughout the session, including highlighting the policy framework in the recently released Omaha COMPETES report and providing formal testimony before the Legislature’s Revenue Committee on the importance of maintaining competitive, performance-based economic development tools. The bill’s success on the floor would not have been possible without the work of Chamber members who individually reached out to their state senators to explain their support for the legislation. That kind of direct engagement makes a real difference, and it showed throughout the process.
With LB1165 now signed into law, the Chamber’s focus turns to implementation, working alongside state leaders, businesses, and community partners to ensure these tools are used effectively to drive growth, attract investment, and build a stronger, more competitive Nebraska for the long term.
You’re Invited – Upcoming Events
On Monday, we’ll be having our final In the Legislative Loop bi-weekly session update on Zoom. We’ll review the session, implications for the future, and our plans for the interim. You can sign up for this members-only call here.
Please save the date for our next Politics & Eggs breakfast on Friday, May 8. Politics & Eggs is our quarterly power breakfast and an opportunity to connect with local, state, and federal elected officials who shape the policies that impact your business and community. In our unique “on the stump” format, attendees hear directly from elected leaders about what is happening in the metro, the region, and the state. Registration information will be shared soon.
While your Greater Omaha Chamber Public Policy team continues its work advocating for a stronger business climate and advancing the Omaha COMPETES agenda, we encourage you to share your insights on state legislative priorities at advocacy@omahachamber.org
Jennifer Creager
Senior Vice President, Public Policy
808 Conagra Dr., Ste. 400, Omaha, NE 68102
Lincoln Office: 402-474-4960
For more information, visit our Public Policy page or contact Jennifer Creager at 402.474.4960.
You can read the Legislature’s Update to learn more about the happenings in Lincoln.