LINCOLN- A controversial bill to dilute Nebraska’s phased minimum wage increases cleared the first round of floor debate Tuesday after a two-day filibuster. Legislative Bill 258 is Democratic State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln’s top priority for the 2025 session. The bill would reduce the annual cost-of-living increases to up to 1.5% per year, and freeze the minimum wage at $13.50 per hour for workers ages 14 and 15. The bill earned just enough votes to pass a filibuster-ending cloture motion, with a 33-16 vote.

The bill itself earned a 32-17 vote, with Sen. Stanley Clouse of Kearney shifting his vote to no. The bill will now advance to its second of three rounds of debate, with its fate still uncertain. In addition to changing the cost of living increases and the youth wage, LB 258 would also set a 90-day training wage at $13.50 an hour. Raybould noted this is higher than Nebraska’s current minimum training wage, which is set at $5.45 an hour — 75% of the federal minimum wage.

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