(State Chamber release) -- On June 6, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry board of directors gathered for its summer meeting in Scotts Bluff County. Held at the John Harms Advanced Technology Center in Scottsbluff, the meeting was headlined by District 48 Senator John Harms, who presented board members with an analysis of the challenges facing the state and its business sector. In official business, the board voted to oppose the initiative to amend the state constitution as proposed by the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative. If the initiative were to succeed and the question approved by voters, preferential treatment on the basis of race and gender in public education, state hiring and public contracts would be prohibited, which could spur unintended, negative consequences. The State Chamber's policy is that Nebraska’s elected officials should address this issue in a manner and procedure that best serve the interests of the state, including holding public hearings to gather information and policy recommendations from Nebraska citizens. The board was also briefed on preparations for the Governor's upcoming reverse trade mission in September, as well as early plans to recognize the 100th anniversary of the State Chamber.
