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Last week, my bill LB246 was debated on General File. Under LB246, the commercial sale and distribution of cultured protein products would be banned in Nebraska.
Such products, also known as labgrown meat or synthetic meat, are made by combining animal stem cells and other ingredients in bioreactors. However, LB246 would not impact the sale and distribution of plant-based protein alternative products.
My intent with this bill is to address public safety concerns and help preserve Nebraska’s cultural identity as an agricultural state. After a lengthy debate, LB246 advanced by a 33-4 vote.
The Legislature then debated the minimum wage over the course of two days.
In 2022, voters passed a ballot measure to increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2026. After 2026, the state’s minimum wage will be tied to the Consumer Price Index to adjust for inflation. In a high inflation year like in 2022, the minimum wage would have grown by
896.
In response to this ballot measure, Sen. Raybould introduced LB258 which would limit who can get a wage increase in 2027.
Specifically, the bill would cap the minimum wage at $ 13.JSQ per hour for workers younger than 16 years old, except for emancipated minors.
Additionally, the bill would cap annual minimum wage increases at a lesser rate of 1.5% instead of being adjusted for inflation. Another change would modify the 90-day training wage for new employees under 18 to $13.50 and to 7596 of the minimum wage in 2027.
During floor debate, the proponents of LB258 raised concerns that businesses would face increased costs, potentially leading to reduced profits or even business closures due to higher labor costs. In response, businesses could be forced to raise prices or reduce their workforce.
Opponents of LB258 filibustered the bill arguing the measure would harm the state’s lowest earners, especially teenagers.
Additionally, opponents contended LB258 undermines the will of statewide Nebraska voters who approved the minimum wage initiative at the ballot in 2022. Following contentious debate, LB258 was moved to Select File on a 32 to 17 vote.
I voted in support of LB258. So far, the feedback I have received in my legislative district has been fairly supportive of LB258 given concerns that the existing law is making it more difficult to keep small local businesses open like small-town grocery stores.
Indeed, I have been told by area business owners the current increase in the minimum wage has led them to slow hiring and increase prices. There is a need to clarify and qualify a law that is having a serious burden on the state’s small businesses, particularly in rural areas.
Debate on legislation relating to brand inspection was also heard last week.
As introduced, LB646 would have provided an exemption for feedlots from the Livestock Brand Act. Following several hours of discussion,
Dist. 40 Report
Sen. Barry DeKay LB646 was advanced on a 26 to 2 vote. I chose to withhold my vote on LB646 during the initial round of consideration. During floor debate, Sen. Ibach promised she would try to work with Sen. Storer and other opponents of the bill to address their concerns. My vote to abstain represents some concerns I have with LB646 as amended on the floor, but I am willing to let negotiations happen among Sen. Ibach, opposing senators, and groups like the Nebraska Brand Committee. I want to see what comes out of these negotiations on this bill prior to the next round of consideration.
If the resulting negotiations fall apart or produce what I feel is an unsatisfactory amendment, then I reserve the right to not support LB646.
Finally, I am pleased that the Legislature approved the final passage of my bill LB7. LB7 makes a number of updates to the foreign land ownership law that I worked to get passed last year. Its goal is to clear up definitions and be better in alignment with federal law. LB7 was passed by a 47 to o vote.
Call my office at (402) 471-2801 or email [email protected]. My address is: Sen. Barry DeKay, Dist. 40, P.O. Box 94604, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509.
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