Now that we are in all-day floor debate, bills are moving. The most important action you can take at this point in the session is to directly contact your senator. If they voted how you wanted them to, thank them. If they opposed something you support, ask them to oppose the bill when it comes up again. Anything can change between rounds of debate and your voice could be the deciding factor in helping a lawmaker change their position. If you have five minutes or thirty, send an email or make some calls.
To track bills, follow our website or set-up alerts to track bills via the legislative website. Here is another helpful illustration of how laws are made in the unicameral (we are now past #2 and bills are between points #3-#5). It’s important to note that bills can only be amended during the first and second rounds of debate. Once a bill is on Final Reading, it passes as is, fails or has to be returned to Select File for amendments. Most bills need 25 votes to pass. However, if a bill is seeking to change a voter-approved ballot measure or having to overcome a filibuster, it must have 33 votes.
WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Disregarding what an overwhelming majority of voters support, senators advanced LB 415 to Select File with a bad amendment, originally LB 698, that carves out exemptions for which types of workers can earn paid sick leave. With support in every single legislative district, it’s frustrating to say the least that lawmakers are now seeking to cut out 56% of workers who would be impacted by the voter-approved measure.
- Action: Before the bill is scheduled for second round debate, your senator needs to hear from you. Tell them you support paid sick leave for all workers and oppose LB 415.
- Bonus Action: Sign this petition to demand the Nebraska Legislature honor the will of voters and oppose LB 415’s attempt to undermine access to paid sick leave.
In what felt like déjà vu, lawmakers a few days later voted to advance LB 258 that would overturn part of the voter-approved minimum wage ballot initiative. This bill, which creates a sub-minimum wage for workers under 20, only advanced by one vote. Folks, keep up the pressure to remind lawmakers that all working people deserve fair pay for a hard day’s work.
On the brighter side of things, LB 192, introduced by Sen. Dan Quick and prioritized by Sen. John Cavanaugh, advanced to Select File! This bill would eliminate a sunset date and make permanent our expanded eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ensuring Nebraska families are fed.
LB 78, introduced by Senator Elliot Bostar and prioritized by State-Tribal Relations Committee, is scheduled for Select File—or second round debate—today. This bill would provide necessary funding to create a Domestic Violence and Trafficking Victim Housing Assistance Fund.
IN THE NEWS
‘Will of the voters’: Recent election results by Nebraska legislative, congressional districts – Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska senators propose changes to passed ballot initiatives – Nebraska Public Media
Paid sick leave bill with controversial amendment clears first round debate – KETV Channel 7
Despite filibuster, Nebraska bill advances that’s aimed at lessening minimum wage increases – Omaha World-Herald
[Editorial] Bills undermine the will of Nebraska voters – Lincoln Journal Star