Omaha, Neb. – Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined State Senator Tony Vargas on the campaign trail at an event to highlight local economic development efforts in Nebraska’s Second Congressional District, including in North and South Omaha.

Participants shared the history of the North and South Omaha communities with Leader Hoyer and information about ongoing and upcoming economic development and community revitalization projects. The group also discussed the importance of the $1.2 billion Nebraska received from the federal government via the American Rescue Plan Act and the impact that it will have on communities, once distributed.

Vargas, along with Senators Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney, who was also present at the roundtable, worked together to direct $400 million of Nebraska’s ARPA funds to North and South Omaha, which were the hardest hit throughout the pandemic. These funds will be allocated to projects that will assist with local workforce development, community redevelopment projects, and affordable housing.

“This funding is a historic and incredible opportunity to rebuild our communities. It will allow us to invest in our people and our workforce, responsibly build affordable housing, and support and grow our local small businesses,” said Vargas. “Unfortunately, our current Congressman, Don Bacon, voted against this funding and against the progress and investments that Nebraskans need.”

“We need more leaders like Tony Vargas, who understand the needs of their communities and are ready to fight for working families, in Congress,” said Leader Hoyer. “Tony has a long track record of getting things done for workers, students, and families, and his work in the Legislature clearly shows his passion and commitment to serving Nebraskans.” 

About Tony

Tony Vargas has served Nebraskans as an elected official for nearly a decade. Tony learned the values of community, hard work, and perseverance from his parents, who, coming from humble beginnings, sacrificed everything to provide their children with an opportunity for a brighter future. No matter how busy the family was, they had dinner together every night, where his parents encouraged Tony to “stay grounded, but reach for the stars.”

Tony devoted his career to public service and improving opportunities for all Nebraskans. He has served our community since 2013, first as a member of the Omaha Public Schools Board and then as a member of the Nebraska Legislature. As a senator, Tony has developed a reputation for civility and working with anyone to get things done for Nebraska workers and small businesses.

He has successfully passed legislation to strengthen our public schools, improve access to health care, encourage technology and innovation, and improve consumer protections.

Tony began his career as a public-school teacher, receiving “Most Outstanding Teacher” and “Teacher of the Year” awards, and has worked in the non-profit and education sectors, striving to improve the quality of life and educational opportunities for thousands of children across the United States.

The first generation of his family to graduate college, Tony earned his Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Rochester and a Masters in Education at Pace University. Tony and his wife, Lauren, are raising their two young kids, Ava and Luca, in Omaha. They are proud parishioners of St. Frances Cabrini Church, where Tony and Lauren were married.

For more information, visit vargasfornebraska.com.