Much is written and debated about the economic condition of Nebraska. Many experts contend that we’ve never been healthier, as they predict steady growth and a bright Nebraska future, mostly in urban areas.

Maybe so, but is it possible that one of Nebraska’s best economic opportunities resides in the lowest income levels of our population?

I think so. Here’s how:

One-seventh of our state’s residents, 250,000 people, earn less than 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which means they individually earn less than $12,000 a year. These fellow Nebraskans either can be a burden on our economy or an opportunity for economic growth. They want to be an opportunity. When I used to handle cases as a legal aid attorney, I would often ask my clients what they wanted most.  Invariably the answer was: “Give me a good job. Give me an opportunity.” 

A growing, thriving state requires a “work-ready” labor force to support new and expanding business. Ask the state’s development people, the chambers of commerce and its business promoters the first questions they get when trying to lure new business.

They hear: “How solid is your workforce? Can it deliver workers right now with the skills we need? What’s their work ethic? Can we train and retain them?

What about those “opportunities” my clients mentioned? One of the main strategies for economic development in Nebraska is creation of micro-enterprises and small businesses. Nebraskans in the lowest income tier want to start such enterprises and businesses. If this is one of our main strategies, we can not afford to deny one-seventh of our population that opportunity. Just like any other Nebraskan, they need the resources to do so, including the services of an affordable attorney.

To be “work-ready,” such persons must be self-sufficient. They must have at least the basics: shelter, security and income. And they must have their civil legal affairs in order so they can get to work, stay at work and be productive workers.

Substantial help in this area could result from an Economic Revitalization of Rural Nebraska – Demonstration Project which would provide the needed legal services for low-income entrepreneurs and small business owners. It also would provide the legal services needed by non-profit organizations working with the same population. This would be done in partnership with organizations providing other forms of vital assistance and support.

According to a study done by the University of Nebraska-Omaha, every dollar spent in solving the civil legal problems of low-income Nebraskans contributes $5 of economic activity to one of the state’s communities. This is in addition to the immeasurable benefits of the hope and personal success fostered. Every community in Nebraska should recognize that when individuals and families are mired in civil legal problems, they’re held back from jobs, productivity and full participation in our economy.

The point is this: Nebraska has a great opportunity. In fact, 250,000 opportunities. One-seventh of its population seeks jobs or business opportunities. By simply removing the barriers posed by people who are mired in civil legal difficulties, we can create and maintain the workforce we spoke of earlier. We must come together to ensure that one-seventh of our neighbors no longer are left out in the cold. Right now, only 22 percent of those who qualify for this type of help are receiving it. . That means that 78 percent, or 195,000 Nebraskans, are left without legal assistance.

In the final analysis, Nebraskans must be willing to see this opportunity, invest in it, and make it happen. Imagine.

Doug German is executive director of Legal Aid of Nebraska, a nonprofit, private firm which provides free, civil legal aid to low income residents. Legal Aid is the law firm for one-seventh of Nebraska’s population from offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Norfolk and Bancroft. Legal Aid does not handle criminal cases, file class actions, nor represent prisoners or ineligible aliens.