LINCOLN- On Tuesday, the Nebraska Legislature voted 30-0 to advance LB531, a bill introduced by Sen. Terrell McKinney that would allocate around $400 million to low-income Omaha neighborhoods. The bill is a follow-up to LB1024, which was introduced in 2022, that sent around $335 million to these underserved areas. Having passed its first round of debate, the bill will still need to pass through two more rounds before ending up on Gov. Pillen's desk.

Sen. Terrell McKinney told his colleagues that the bill's aim is to reduce poverty and crime rates, as well as improve educational and health outcomes in areas historically lacking in these services. "North Omaha is not a charity case for wealthy individuals to act as our savior," said McKinney during the debate over LB531, "It is a community that deserves a fair chance at the good life."

Most of the funding will be distributed through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. The Department will review over 367 proposals and applications for funding, and will decide which projects to disburse money to. LB531 guarantees funding for several proposals, however, including $20 million for a Malcolm X museum and $20 million for local healthcare centers.

Included in the bill is funding for Lincoln to begin work to secure a second source of drinking water. $180 million would be appropriated to the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources from last year's ARPA money.

The Department plans to build a Southeast Nebraska regional water supply network that pumps water from the Missouri River to Lincoln and other communities. Originally LB506 intended to appropriate $200 million for the same purpose, but amidst negotiations, it was included as an amendment to LB531. The project lead, Sen. Eliot Bostar, said the Governor's support for the project helped the idea gain momentum.

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