Limits to state minimum wage stall

A bill that would limit scheduled increases to the state’s minimum wage and establish a separate, lower wage for young Nebraskans fell two votes short on the final round of debate May 14.

Nebraskans voted at the November 2022 general election to increase the state minimum wage incrementally to $15 an hour by Jan. 1, 2026. Once the minimum wage, which currently is $13.50 an hour, reaches $15 it is set to adjust annually based on the Midwest Consumer Price Index to account for cost-of-living increases.

LB258, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Jane Raybould, instead would increase the state minimum wage by 1.75% annually.

The bill also would establish a youth minimum wage of $13.50 an hour for employees ages 14 and 15 and adjust the 90-day training wage for new employees under age 20 to $13.50 an hour through Dec. 31, 2026. The training wage then would increase by 1.5% annually.

The youth minimum wage, which would not apply to emancipated youth, also would increase by 1.5% every fifth year beginning Jan. 1, 2030.

Laws that would alter voter-approved initiative measures require a two-thirds majority, or 33 votes, for final approval. LB258 failed to pass on a vote of 31-17.