As Christmas approaches, so does winter weather. The children are looking forward to a holiday break and many are preparing to travel or to welcome visitors from near and far. My wish for you is that you have a safe and joyful celebration. Prepare for the unexpected by having extra supplies on hand and perhaps a preparedness package in your car that includes a blanket, a warm change of clothes, water and non-perishable food items. It is always a good idea to let friends or loved ones know your travel plans, route, and anticipated arrival time. My wish for you is the most joyful time of family celebration.

Workforce Development work continues: Our unemployment rate is low in Nebraska and lawmakers often hear from employers that are having trouble finding qualified applicants for unfilled positions. I am pleased to be in my third year of serving on the Workforce Development Board. The Board brings together state, regional, and local workforce partners to help build a workforce development system that can more effectively match employers, employees, education and training opportunities.
The Board convened on December 6, 2019 for its quarterly meeting. After discussion of Nebraska’s Annual Report, we heard from each member in attendance about specific challenges and progress being made in the areas being served by each board member, with regard to efforts and outcomes in their specific area. The Board’s purpose is to develop strategic guidelines to help communities develop and measure outcomes of local job-driven “one-stop” delivery systems, with emphasis on core programs and funding in areas dealing with youth, adult, and dislocated workers. We heard about growing coordinated training opportunities, industry-specific partnerships, grants, scholarships, and apprenticeship programs across various disciplines including the construction and rural healthcare industries, a growing concern for many in District 17 and throughout Nebraska. We also heard about efforts to more rapidly respond to unemployment and job connection needs of dislocated workers with the formation of teams that include veterans, employers, and other local community members. I shared some information about investment and workforce opportunities in healthcare taking place in Legislative District 17 with the opening of the surgical center in South Sioux and the new clinic in Pender. Unfortunately, due to lack of enough trained workforce and affordable workforce housing, Wakefield’s expansion project planned for Nebraska was moved to Iowa. In addition to matching employers with skilled employees, I will continue to active participate in furthering policies for affordable workforce housing.
It is important for residents to know that the efforts to match employers and employees and train and re-train workers effectively are taking place throughout the state. The Board provides guidance on better coordination and accountability by strategizing and accumulating measureable results in both workforce development and customer satisfaction. I am proud to be a part of the team. I will continue to monitor progress in workforce development, and will be paying close attention to any legislation dealing with the issue in the upcoming session. If you would like to know more about the programs or find out about progress in certain workforce development areas, you can access the full report by clicking on the report at www.dolnebraska.gov.

Exciting News for Nebraska. From the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans, states are working to rename Hwy 20 to the Medal of Honor Memorial Highway. In Nebraska, The American Legion Family has been leading the charge. Highway 20 crosses Nebraska and passes through Dakota County in Legislative District 17. In October, I joined other state senators from Legislative Districts through which Highway 20 runs in writing a letter to the Nebraska State Highway Commission in support of the name change. On Friday, December 13, 2019, members of The American Legion Family presented a proposal to rename the portion of Highway 20 that extends across Nebraska. Legislative District 17 was well represented by members of American Legion District 3 at the Nebraska Highway Roads Commission meeting held in Lincoln. The Commission gave unanimous consent to the proposal and the measure has gone to the Governor for approval. Shout out to all who worked on making this happen.
As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by phone at 402-471-2716 or by email at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov

The American Legion members attending the Friday December 13 meeting. From left to right:
Back Row: Bud Neel, Frances Shelton, Dept. Legion Commander Gary Wooten
Front Row:  Kim Daugherty, Les Feyermeier, Daryl Harrison, Adeline Hanel, Ken Hanel, Nancy Daugherty