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News Brief

April 29, 2025

Debate on Nebraska minimum wage

Nebraska lawmakers have reached a compromise on a bill that would roll back a minimum wage increase approved by voters in 2022.

That initiative aimed to gradually raise the minimum wage from nine dollars an hour to fifteen by 2026. But Legislative Bill 258, introduced by Senator Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would slow the increases and shift to a percentage-based formula, keeping future wages below the cost of living.

Supporters say this approach offers more stability for businesses and avoids the unpredictability of inflation-based adjustments.

Labor advocates strongly oppose the change.

Advocacy group Nebraska Appleseed spokesperson, Jodi Lepaopao, says it undermines what voters clearly supported.

"We are thumbs down on the compromise and we want to be sure that we are upholding the voters and that the legislators does that.", says Lepaopao. 

Lepaopao says the original measure was designed to help low-wage workers, especially in rural areas, keep up with rising costs.

"This was to ensure that they were able to continue to meet their needs as the costs continue to rise. This was for the rural workers in smaller communities so that they don't lose their purchasing power.", says Lepaopao.

The bill would also establish a $13.50 minimum wage for 14- and 15-year-olds. It’s now headed to final debate in the Nebraska legislature.