Appropriations Committee
March 3, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rob Clements | Bills Heard: 1 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB491: Appropriation for Chief Standing Bear Museum and Cultural Center construction
Introduced by: Sen. Barry DeKay | Testimony: 6 proponents, 0 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska lawmakers heard testimony on a $7 million appropriation for a Chief Standing Bear Museum near Niobrara, a project that stalled after the governor declined to fund it. The bill, LB491, would allocate $7 million each in fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to construct a cultural center honoring the Ponca leader whose 1879 federal court case established that Native Americans were legally recognized as people—a civil rights milestone that preceded the overturning of Dred Scott by 22 years and women's suffrage by 41 years.
Why it matters: The museum represents Nebraska's commitment to telling the story of one of its most significant civil rights figures. Proponents argued it will drive cultural tourism to rural northeast Nebraska, where research shows younger generations prioritize authentic historical destinations. The facility will also serve as a repository for repatriated Ponca cultural artifacts, including Chief Standing Bear's pipe tomahawk currently displayed in the Capitol Rotunda.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "This project is not just about the Ponca Tribe. It is about all Nebraskans," said Courtney Chavez, CEO of Tribal Affairs. The total project cost is $35 million, with the state funding construction while the tribe pursues additional funding from the Shakopee Nation, federal grants, and tribal resources. The facility will feature 22,000+ square feet including exhibits, event space, recording studio, and theater. - Historical context: Author Joe Starita detailed Standing Bear's 1879 federal court victory, which established Native Americans as legally recognized people—a landmark that preceded major civil rights decisions by decades.
By the numbers: The bill appropriates $7 million per year for two years (down from an originally proposed $15 million in FY 2025-2026). The tribe has already received $750,000 in prior appropriations for exhibit fabrication. The total project cost is estimated at $35 million, with a 2027 completion target.
What's next: No vote was taken. The committee received testimony from six proponents, zero opponents, and one neutral party (Game and Parks Commission). Sen. DeKay indicated willingness to work with the committee on timing if a one-year delay is necessary.
Committee sentiment: Supportive: Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, Sen. Spivey Skeptical: Sen. Rob Clements Unclear: Sen. Jason Prokop, Sen. Myron Dorn, Sen. Rob Dover
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee hearing began with Agency 24 (Department of Motor Vehicles) budget testimony, followed by LB491. Committee Chair Rob Clements established standard hearing procedures including the five-minute testimony limit with green, yellow, and red light signals. The hearing concluded after LB491 testimony with no additional bills heard. The Chief Standing Bear Museum and Cultural Center model and Chief Standing Bear's pipe tomahawk were on display in the Capitol Rotunda during the hearing.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.