Wage hike comes on the heels of initiative voters approved in November
Nebraska’s minimum wage increased to $10.50 an hour on January 1 under a state law that voters approved in November 2022. The law increases the state’s minimum wage over the course of several years to $15 an hour by 2026.
In an interview with KLKN-TV, NFIB State Director Bob Hallstrom warned how the increase could harm employees:
“It will take time as it’s phased in, which will soften the blow,” Bob said. “But I think the real impact and the concern is for the very workers that the minimum wage is designed to help. If businesses see their cost increase to the point where they have to raise prices that will hurt consumers, reduce benefits, reduce hours, or possibly even cut some employment.”
Background:
- As of January 1, the state’s minimum wage is $10.05 an hour.
- The state’s minimum wage will increase by $1.50 each year on January 1.
- It will raise to $12 in 2024, $13.50 in 2025, and $15 in 2026.
- After 2026, the minimum wage will be subject to an annual cost of living adjustment.
