Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Commission discussed the designation of public notice entries on the Nebraska.gov calendar and received a report from the Veterans' Program Coordinator regarding workforce development initiatives. An update was provided on the U.S. Space Command and the City of Bellevue's nomination to host its headquarters. Findings were presented from The Economic Impact of Nebraska Military Assets: An Update for Fiscal Year 2020, including special studies on legislative changes, veteran demographic trends, and the DoD and USDVA supply chains in Nebraska. The commission also discussed the economic impact of military bases in Nebraska.

The agenda includes an entry of public notice, approval of meeting minutes from May 31, 2017, a public comment period, and activity updates from the Military Affairs Liaison. Briefings will be given by Dr. Jeff Rippe on the National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI) Department of Defense (DoD) Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) Grant Application, Teri Clark on the Nebraska Veterans and Families Task Force, Dave Salak on the Nebraska Veterans Council, and Jeff Mikesell on the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Military Target Advisory Group (MilTAG). A presentation will be given by Dr. Eric Thompson from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Business Research. The agenda also includes a motion to amend and submit the commission report, commissioner comments, and a motion to hold the next meeting.

The meeting included discussions on designating entry of public notice, a public comment period where the Nebraska Veterans Coalition announced their effort to create a statewide PTSD treatment program and praised the Nebraska Veterans Gateway website. The commission deliberated on the economic impact of military assets in Nebraska, considering a proposal from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Bureau of Research. There was also an update regarding the City of Bellevue's self-nomination to host the permanent headquarters of the United States Space Command.

The agenda includes discussion on the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), an update on the U.S. Space Command Basing, and a legislative resolution supporting future military missions and Department of Defense activities. Also covered are updates on foreign investment near military installations, the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Deployment, and the Commission's annual report. A motion to contract with the University of Nebraska Bureau of Business Research for an update on the Economic Impact of Nebraska Military Assets for FY 2022 will be discussed, along with a Defense State Liaison Office (DSLO) update.

The Commission on Military and Veteran Affairs convened to discuss several key areas. An activity update was provided, highlighting efforts to build a network and increase awareness of legislative activities. The commission elected its Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary. A public comment rule was established. The commission discussed courses of action for assessing the economic impact of military assets in Nebraska and contracted with the University of Nebraska Bureau of Business Research for this purpose. Updates were given on the VetSET Project and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce MilTAG. Commissioners shared comments, and the next meeting date was set.