NEBRASKA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT HOLDS HIGH-LEVEL TALKS WITH LATINO LEADERS IN WASHINGTON, DC

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Hosts Summit Meeting with Bryan Slone to Discuss Nebraska's Future

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, Roman Palomares, National President and Chairman of the Board of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), welcomed Bryan Slone, President of the Nebraska Chambers of Commerce, to LULAC's National Headquarters for a groundbreaking summit meeting. Discussions focused on forging strategies to address Nebraska's labor challenges, attract top talent, and secure the state's economic future.

"We are thrilled to have had an honest and constructive dialogue with Bryan Slone," said Palomares. "Nebraska faces both challenges and opportunities. Together, we can design bipartisan solutions that benefit all stakeholders by ensuring good jobs, equitable conditions, and a thriving economy that uplifts workers and their families."

Nebraska's Labor Market Overview

Nebraska continues to hold one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 2.0%. However, this low unemployment rate only adds to the continuing labor shortage. According to the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL), the state is currently short of approximately 50,000 workers to meet economic demand. Also, Nebraska's economy is projected to grow by 8% by 2030, driven by technological advancements and increased agricultural and manufacturing.

Due to Nebraska's aging population, the healthcare sector anticipates a 20% increase in demand for skilled workers, particularly nurses and support staff. Workforce shortages in this sector risk compromising healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile, a severe lack of skilled construction workers has slowed residential and commercial development. This labor shortage contributes to rising housing costs and limited availability, further exacerbating affordability issues across the state.

Competing for Talent

"Nebraska has the opportunity to lead the nation in innovative workforce strategies," said Hector Flores, former LULAC National President and Special Advisor to Palomares. "Our future depends on bold action. To succeed, Nebraska must invest in its people, cultivate educational partnerships, and create a welcoming environment for workers. This state has the potential to not only retain its homegrown talent but also become a magnet for professionals seeking a better quality of life and career opportunities."

Competing states are already offering aggressive incentives to attract skilled workers. Michigan, for instance, offers up to $10,000 in student loan forgiveness for STEM graduates. At the same time, Ohio provides grants for relocating professionals and first-time homebuyers. Additionally, cities like Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, have launched campaigns highlighting affordable living and job placement assistance to lure talent.

"Nebraska needs a compelling vision to retain its educated talent," adds Dunixi Guereca, newly elected State Senator for District 7, which includes Downtown and South Omaha. "By aligning community colleges and universities with workforce needs and offering competitive incentives, Nebraska can position itself as a leader in workforce development. That better future for all is why I ran for public office and want to serve all Nebraskans."

The Importance of Bipartisanship

As Washington prepares to transfer power from the Biden administration to a Trump presidency, LULAC and the Nebraska Chambers of Commerce are committed to working across political divides to address shared challenges.

"Immigration reform and workforce development cannot be seen only through a partisan lens," said Juan Proaño, LULAC CEO. "Nebraska's economy depends on a trained, lawful workforce. The challenge is balancing the needs of employers with worker protections to ensure equitable conditions. We need policies that focus on solutions, not division. Latino workers make up nearly 10% of Nebraska's workforce, which sustains the state's economy."

A Nebraska Vision for the Future  

Elsa Ramon-Aranda, Nebraska LULAC State Director, sees this first summit meeting as a critical step forward. "Today's meeting was a testament to the foresight and leadership of Nebraska's business and community stakeholders," said Ramon-Aranda. "Our state can and must build a workforce that is not only well-trained but also diverse and inclusive. Nebraska has a chance to show the nation that we can address challenges through collaboration and innovation. Together, we can ensure a future where all Nebraskans thrive."

Next Steps  

To build on the momentum of Friday's discussions, LULAC and the Nebraska Chambers of Commerce will conduct additional research to quantify the economic impacts of workforce development and training. These findings will guide public outreach campaigns to foster support for bipartisan solutions.

"This is just the beginning," states Palomares. "Nebraska can become a beacon of innovation and progress, showing the nation how collaboration can address today's challenges and create a brighter tomorrow. Together, we will continue this important work."

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.