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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION — Chair Lancaster called for public participation and Jared Reimers <br /> with Congressman Adrian Smith's office requested to address the board. He stated that <br /> Congressman Smith he is on the Ways & Means Committee, the senior member of the health <br /> subcommittee and addresses the selection of revenue measures and tax policies. He also has <br /> worked on the legislation on trade issues and they are addressing an agreement with Japan and <br /> the US. The issues with the USMC will not come up now but should be passed in 2020. He <br /> also noted the request to make Homestead Historical Park a national park. Senators Fisher and <br /> Sass are also supporting this. It would increase tourism in Nebraska. He also noted the <br /> Executive Order#13888 regarding the refugee resettlement. He ask if the board had any <br /> questions. <br /> Lancaster thanked Jared for the update and stated she appreciates the Grand Island office they <br /> have talked to him regarding veteran's issues. She also thanked him for the involvement in the <br /> community. He also noted that that they are working on issues on deep water ships. Lancaster <br /> note they were also exposed Agent Orange. <br /> 4.9:30 A.M. AUDREY LUTZ MULTICULTURAL COALITIONS REGARDING EO 13888 LOCAL <br /> REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT CONSENT—Audrey Lutz with the Multicultural Coalition was <br /> present regarding the refugee resettlement explained the process for the Executive Order <br /> 13888. This order has been signed by Lancaster and Douglas counties. The Coalition was <br /> formed by the City of Grand Island to help bridge the gap on assistance they have served 840 <br /> clients and 294 were refugees. This Executive order will coordinate with state and local entitles <br /> to settle refugees. This is the last day that the letter can be signed. The refugees are <br /> hardworking and some of them have been waiting anywhere from 2 to 10 years to be reunited <br /> with families. They are screened by international bodies and there are 10 security checks. <br /> These are immediate family member's fathers, mother's brothers and sisters. <br /> Richardson questioned if other smaller counties accept them and Platte County accepts smaller <br /> numbers and Amy confirmed that they are immediate family members. <br /> Hartman expressed concern on the numbers and Amy said there were e to 5 in 2019 and they <br /> have permission to come. He also expressed concern that politics' are in the middle of it. <br /> Richardson question why the Executive Order was put in place and if this changes how the <br /> refugees are received. Amy stated that this is another layer of paper work and it come with <br /> funding. The Order changes the way it is organized and can be accepted. <br /> 15A) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING LETTER ON ENHANCING STATE <br /> AND LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IN RESETTLEMENT <br /> 15 B) AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN LETTER TO SECRETARY POMPEO — Peterson made a <br /> motion and Bredthauer seconded to authorize the chair to sign the letter to Secretary Pompeo. <br /> Lancaster noted that this will allow some funding and free up the expenditures from local <br /> charitable organizations. <br /> Hartman expressed concern on people waiting for handouts when they could be working it is <br /> difficult to hire them. <br /> The vote on the motion was taken. Bredthauer, Lancaster, Quandt and Peterson all voted yes <br /> and Hurst and Richardson voted no and Hartman abstained. <br /> 4 <br />