The Weekly Brief: 03.15.2026
Notes from the Field
Legislature has more work to do
This week, the Legislature debated and voted on several measures to close the budget gap. They looked at various program cuts, adding new revenues, and tapping into a variety of reserve funds. You can read the details here.
We expect more debates, proposals, and votes this week, too. The Legislature leadership has set the target of getting the budget sent over to the Governor in less than two weeks. As you can see, they have a ways to go to hit that mark.
Right now, the BIA enjoys widespread support so it appears any reduction in funding would come not from specific action but as a result of slicing the budget pie evenly across the board. So it’s important to keep up your outreach efforts!
It is important to share statistics and stories that show the BIA’s impact.
Check out this new report from SSTi, which calls out Nebraska as a positive outlier within the region. It cites Invest Nebraska and the NMotion powered by gener8tor accelerator, both of which leverage the BIA, as helping Nebraska to buck the downtrend other Midwest and Great Plains states are experiencing.
You can also share this new BIA Nebraska showcase website jammed pack with statistics and stories. It’s got something in there for every legislator. Founder quoes, impact reports, and more!
Takeaway: Keep spreading the good word about the BIA
Get Loud This Week
Watch and share “The BIA Did That!” video series
Marina and Jason Brown, Moneiva
Another batch of “The BIA Did That!” videos are live on our LinkedIn Page. Each one shares the perspective of a Nebraska founder, investor, or community champion on why the Business Innovation Act matters.
This batch features:
What can you do?
Reach out to your state senator encouraging them to fully fund the BIA with $15M and share the video links above
Like the LinkedIn page, watch the interviews, and like & share the video posts to your network
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
Seven 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.
LB847: Adopt the Nebraska Registered Apprenticeship Act and change provisions relating to the combined tax rate under the Employment Security Law - this becomes the main bill to which the BIA-related bills get attached as amendments.
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: You can watch each bill evolve and progress by clicking the links.
You are one of 151 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