Nebraska Legislature advances bill to create Nebraska–Ireland commission

Lincoln — The Nebraska Legislature voted to advance LB 10-87, a bill creating a Nebraska Ireland Commission designed to promote trade, education and research links between Nebraska and Ireland.

Speaker Arch, who introduced the bill, said the commission would include 10 members drawn from state agencies, business associations, postsecondary institutions, non-profits and three nonvoting legislative members. The bill establishes a Nebraska Ireland Fund to hold gifts and grants; Speaker Arch said he did not intend taxpayer dollars to be appropriated to that fund.

The government committee amended the bill with AM2000 to correct a drafting reference and broaden DED’s ability to use stakeholder input, and the amendment passed unanimously on the floor. Supporters — including university and economic development representatives and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce at the committee hearing — said the commission would serve as a catalyst for business and research partnerships and provide access to EU markets through relationships in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Senators voiced bipartisan support on the floor and the bill was advanced to E & R initial (the clerk recorded the advancement without opposition in the floor transcript).