(KLZA)-- Several bills that would directly benefit Nebraska's First Legislative District have been introduced recently by First District State Senator Julie Slama.

Last Thursday, The Appropriations Committee held a hearing on LB 977, a bill that would allocate American Rescue Plan dollars to Falls City to help the city upgrade their electrical infrastructure. In her weekly report to district patrons, Senator Slama says Falls City has almost everything going for it to be the next site to grow Nebraska's economy. However, the electrical grid has kept away many potential development prospects because of their inability to secure reliable access to power.

By investing ARPA dollars in this program, we will be able to bring more business to Richardson County, creating countless jobs and strengthening our district's rural economy as a whole.

LB 942 was heard by the Judiciary Committee February 10. the bill would help rural law enforcement agencies by changing some of the certification requirements for rural law enforcement officers. This is in response to the negative effect last years LB 51 has had on rural law enforcement agencies. The bill is still in committee.

LB 887 was introduced on Valentines day. The bill would authorize Peru State College to offer graduate programs. Peru State is only able to provide master's programs in two different areas currently. The bill has been voted out of the Education Committee unanimously and is currently on General File.

That same day, LB 1110 was introduced to the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. The bill would make ATVs and UTVs street -legal statewide, a benefit to rural communities where people use side-by-sides just as much as they do cars. No vote has been taken on the bill as of yet.

Finally on February 14 Senator Slama's LB 1210 went before the Appropriations Committee. The bill would give American Rescue Plan dollars to revitalize main street businesses in rural areas across the state. The ten million dollar investment would allow businesses located in old, historical buildings to do any structural work they might need and would promote businesses moving into these downtown areas that are vital to our communities.