Nebraska is a state that values hard work and the majority of Nebraskans recognize that we all benefit from a strong economy with good jobs. Last year, a bill to increase the state minimum wage to $9.00 per hour failed to pass the Legislature, but polling shows that policymakers are not in step with the majority of Nebraskans on this issue.
Our Family Bottom Line Calculator shows that Nebraska families can’t meet basic expenses on the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The Family Bottom Line Calculator calculates what Nebraska families need to make ends meet without assistance based on family size and county of residence. In our calculator, basic expenses include food, housing, child care, transportation, taxes and other basic needs. The amount that a family needs to make ends meet ranges from $8.70 per hour for a family with two adults and two school age kids in rural Nebraska to $22.06 for a single parent with two young kids in a larger Nebraska city.
Most Nebraskans agree that we all benefit from more higher paying jobs and fewer workers having to supplement low wages with public benefit programs. Washington, the state with the highest minimum wage in the country, has outpaced the United States in job growth. Voters may have a second chance to ensure their voices are heard on this issue in November.
A group of Nebraskans has come together to try to give voters the opportunity to vote on whether or not to increase the minimum wage in Nebraska in November. In order to do so, the group has to gather enough signatures from voters to put the issue on the ballot.
To learn more and find out how you can get involved in the fight for better wages visit betterwagesnebraska.com
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