LINCOLN- For the second time this year, a proposal to establish COVID-19 'safeguards' in meatpacking plants in Nebraska, was blocked. Nebraska is the only state that does not provide unemployment insurance to legally authorized workers. Gov. Pete Ricketts remains opposed to ensuring these benefits for workers, so if LB298 gains final approval, the governor is ready to veto.

The Meatpacking Employees COVID-19 Protection Act garnered opposition from senators that argued the pandemic is almost over and that meatpackers already have safeguards in place. Another senator, Ray Aguilar, said the constituents in his district that work at the meatpacking plant are still afraid to go to work.

LB298 comes with an amendment that will require employers to use the 'Systemic Alien Verification for Entitlements' program in order to double-check employees' immigration status. Even with this amendment, the governor remains opposed. “LB 298 would grant state benefits to illegal immigrants,” said Ricketts’ spokesman, Taylor Gage. “Nothing about the technical amendment that was adopted changes what is a fundamentally unfair bill that undermines the rule of law.”

Sen. Mike McDonnell, the introducer of LB298, says he believes he has the votes to pass this bill but is worried there is not enough time in the legislative session to wrap it up before adjournment.

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