LINCOLN- On Tuesday, the Nebraska Legislature's Business and Labor Committee voted 4-2 to combine LB327, introduced by Sen. Raybould, and LB15, introduced by Sen. Briese, and advanced LB327 out of committee. Both bills amend the recently-voted-upon wage hike that was approved by Nebraska voters last year and add several changes to minimum wage laws in Nebraska.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad, an outspoken proponent of the minimum wage hike, already motioned to indefinitely postpone the bill, since it would establish a $10.50 wage for children between the age of 14 and 17, as well as establish a training wage for the same amount for people age 18 and 19. Then, for this age range, wages would remain at $10.50 until 2026, and continue at 75% of the regular minimum wage at that time.

LB327 would also cap future wage increases at the inflation amount or a flat 1.5%, whichever number is less at the time. The proposal would need 33 votes to pass in the Legislature since it amends an initiative approved by Nebraska voters. This is because the Nebraska Constitution sets a higher-than-normal bar for amendments made to voter-passes initiatives.

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