The Weekly Brief: 02.22.2026
Notes from the Field
The State of Play Zoom Briefing: A Summary
Last week, we gathered via Zoom to discuss the State of of Play for legislation impacting Business Innovation Act funds and programs. To put things in perspective and ground us, the biggest issue consuming the Nebraska Legislature this session has been a fight over cattle branding.
Here’s a high level summary of what we discussed:
Overall, state senators have voiced support for Business Innovation Act funding and no one appears to oppose the programs. Now, it seems to be a question of how to fund the programs: through the general fund, a proposed BIA reserve fund, or a combination of both.
Everyone is waiting for this Friday’s final economic forecast. This forecast is a joint product of the legislative and executive branches and will determine what’s available in the state budget to spend. One positive sign is that the January tax receipts came in 8% over projections but that doesn’t necessarily mean that will continue.
FYI, if you missed this OpEd from the former Appropriations Committee Chair, “Nebraska has No Budget Crisis”, it’s an important read. Basically, the state has ample tax revenues but there’s a hole in the bucket due to reserve funds pulled to pay property tax relief.
The Appropriations Committee recommended $11M for BIA funding out of the general fund, since it is not clear whether or not the Governor’s proposed BIA Cash Reserve Fund will pass.
Keeping pressure and speaking up in favor of the BIA is critical this session. Everything is still in flux and the second half of the session will see a lot of deal making.
Once we get through this session, we agreed for the need to spend the summer and fall on focused outreach to those state senators returning for the Nebraska Legislature 2027 session. Especially those seeking leadership positions.
Takeaway: Keep speaking up!
Get Loud This Week
Share Your Story using “The BIA Did That!” image
Momentum is on our side. We can shape the final outcome. You can help.
What we need is for more Nebraska founders to share how the Business Innovation Act programs have directly helped them launch their startups, create new jobs, and generate significant revenue.
Let’s light up LinkedIn with your stories. Be sure to tag your state senator so they see it. Or send it directly via email!
If you can’t grab the image above, here’s a link for you to download it directly.
The Basics
New to the Legislature?
Read this Silicon Prairie News guest editorial, which explains how bills become laws in Nebraska and how your voice shapes them.
Bills of Interest
Six bills that matter the most this session
LB100: Establish the Office of Entrepreneurship in the Department of Economic Development, encourage state agencies to contract with startups, and require the state pension fund to Invest in Nebraska startups.
LB999: Establish the Business Innovation and Startup Commission to help guide state government decisions.
LB1015: Create a Business Innovation Reserve Fund to provide long-term stable funding of the Business Innovation Act programs.
LB1044: Change provisions of the Business Innovation Act to create long-term stability of funding and establish a minimum amount awarded
LB1156: Adopt the Disinvested Community Development Incentive Tax Credit Act to help fund small business and startup support, accelerator programs, and workforce training in rural and urban communities.
LB1205: Require the Department of Economic Development to award microlending grants under the Business Innovation Act
Takeaway: Read each bill (if it’s amending a law, the proposed changes are underlined) so you can speak confidently about it.
Mark Your Calendars
Nebraska Startups Speak Up
Zoom Briefing
Wed, March 4 at 11am-11:30am
(hit reply to get added to the calendar invite)
You are one of 150 people (and counting) who have stepped forward to speak up for Nebraska startups. Thank you!
Small actions, big impact
Many thanks to everyone who shared their stories below. The chorus continues to grow!
One message, many voices
In your communications, please consider using this message:
Helping Nebraska startups is a strategic investment that creates a more vibrant economy, more high paying jobs for Nebraska workers, and a greater diversity of future tax revenues. The grass is always greener where you water it!
Until next week,
Scott Henderson
Nebraska Citizen