Business-Related Legislation Reviewed for Auburn Leaders

NE Chamber representatives gave direct testimony on 41 bills during the 2025 Unicameral, Auburn leaders were informed Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4 during the organization’s stop at City Hall.
Hunter Traynor, NE Chamber executive vice president of legislation and policy, commended District 1 Sen. Bob Hallstrom on his 100 percent voting record on the state organization’s positions.
“He’s a fantastic advocate for Southeast Nebraska,” Traynor continued.
NE Chamber representatives tracked about 100 bills during the 60-day session. There was joint testimony from members and coalition partners on other legislation. Public hearings were conducted on about 75 bills over seven weeks of scheduled hearings, the organization representative indicated.
Traynor related the biennial budget was adjusted. Lower tax receipts than forecasted results in a $200 million budget deficit. There was a significant depletion of cash reserves. He noted 2027 will be even more challenging to balance an $860 million out year deficit.
“The economy is growing but we have seen volatility in Nebraska,” Traynor stated.
Like other states, the Cornhusker State needs additional housing to keep up with demand and wage growth, he continued.
With the state budget on shaky ground, Traynor noted there was a modest adjustment in the documentary stamp tax to fund rural and middle income housing funds through 2032.
The NE Chamber official said LB 1067, introduced by Hallstrom, continues to add housing supply, which is one of the key constraints on workforce growth across the state.
“We need to do what we can to bolster the housing supply,” Traynor said.
Housing is one of three issues hampering growth in many municipalities, he continued. The others are workforce and child care, which is related to workforce challenges.
Representatives of businesses, economic development groups and those employed in the child care industry worked on LB 304, the child care subsidy eligibility--permanent expansion, Traynor said.
The state organization has been more involved in energy policy, he related.
Traynor noted NE Chamber representatives have worked the last two to two-and-one-half years on the state of energy environment and examined the regional grid. Nebraska is among 14 states which is part of the Southwest Power Pool.
“There are a lot of regulations in the electric utility industry. Energy and readiness of infrastructure are involved in locating business enterprises across the United States,” he stated.
LB 847, the Nebraska Registered Apprenticeship Act, creates a better structure for the Department of Labor in curriculum and workforce development, the organization representative stated.
The Grow the Good Life Act ensures large employers undergoing corporate mergers remain anchored in the state.
“We have a good quality of life in Nebraska,” Traynor concluded.