ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION - 2025
COMMITTEE STATEMENT
LB560
Hearing Date: Thursday February 13, 2025
Committee On: Government, Military and Veterans Affairs
Introducer: Dungan
One Liner: Change provisions relating to innovative tourism grants
Roll Call Vote - Final Committee Action:
Advanced to General File with amendment(s)
Vote Results:
Aye: 8 Senators Sanders, Andersen, Cavanaugh, J., Guereca, Hunt,
Lonowski, McKeon, Wordekemper
Nay:
Absent:
Present Not Voting:
Testimony:
Proponents: Representing:
Senator George Dungan Opening Presenter
Mike Markey Arts Council
Lance Nielsen Nebraskans for the Arts
Deb Portz Ashland Area Economic Development Corporation
Joe Shaw Uniplace Creative District Lux Center for the Arts
Annie Butler Benson Creative District
Kristine Jacobson Iron Horse Arts District - Holdrege and Visit
37/Phelps County
Lynn Rex League of Nebraska Municipalities
Angie Olson Fremont Creative District / City of Fremont
Kara Weander-Gaster River Point Creative District
Opponents: Representing:
Neutral: Representing:
John Ricks Visit Nebraska (Nebraska Tourism Commission)
Brent Smoyer Nebraska Travel Association
* ADA Accommodation Written Testimony
Summary of purpose and/or changes:
This bill proposes changes to a statute governing the awarding of grants from the Nebraska Tourism Commission. It
would direct the Commission to prioritize “any city or village with a creative district” in the awarding of innovative
tourism grants, and to award up to half a million dollars to any such city or village each fiscal year.
Committee Statement: LB560
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
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Explanation of amendments:
The amendment eliminates the language relating to prioritization and clarifies the provision limiting grants to half a
million dollars to any such city or village in each fiscal year.
Rita Sanders, Chairperson
Committee Statement: LB560
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
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