Nebraska-Ireland Commission advanced
Creation of a commission intended to foster trade relations between Nebraska and Ireland cleared the first round of debate March 17.
La Vista Sen. John Arch, sponsor of LB1087, said the proposal was brought to him by the speaker of the Irish Senate. Twenty-five states already have established such commissions, he said, which create networks and help partners find new ways to collaborate.
The Republic of Ireland is the largest English-speaking country in the European Union, Arch said, and the commission would provide access to those markets for Nebraska businesses.
“The relationships developed through the commission will reveal and open up previously unidentified avenues for partnerships and possibilities of investment and global expansion,” he said.
The new 10-member commission, to be housed within the state Department of Economic Development for administrative purposes, would be tasked with promoting and encouraging business and other mutually beneficial activities between Nebraska and Ireland, including:
• bilateral trade and investment;
• business and academic exchanges;
• mutual economic support;
• mutual investment in infrastructure; and
• joint action on policy issues.
Membership would consist of one member of the Legislature from each of the state’s three congressional districts, in addition to the heads of DED and the state Department of Agriculture or their designees.
The following members would be appointed by the governor to two-year terms: a representative of a postsecondary institution, two members from the business community, one nonprofit representative and a member of the general public.
Members would not be paid but could be reimbursed for expenses. The commission would report to the Legislature annually.
The bill also would create the Nebraska-Ireland Commission Fund, which could receive grants and federal or state funds to help defray administrative costs. Arch said he had “no intention” to ever appropriate taxpayer dollars to it, but that a fund is needed to hold any grants, gifts or other money raised on behalf of the commission.
Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha supported the proposal, saying the connection to Ireland is personal for many Nebraskans and that the partnership would be a natural one.
“Irish immigrants helped build communities across our state,” she said. “They brought with them a commitment to hard work, to family and to taking care of their neighbors — values that still define Nebraskans today.”
Ireland is a global leader in technology, life sciences and clean energy, Cavanaugh said, and Nebraska’s growth in ag innovation, data infrastructure and advanced manufacturing could be amplified through “targeted collaborations” developed through the commission.
Following the 40-0 adoption of a technical amendment from the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, lawmakers advanced LB1087 to select file 41-0.
