Lincoln Considering Minimum Wage Increase, Critics Warn It Will Harm Competitiveness
by John Gage
(Picture courtesy of the City of Lincoln)
The Lincoln City Council is preparing to decide whether to increase the minimum wage in the city. Lincoln City Councilman James Michael Bowers introduced an ordinance that will be heard by the city at its next meeting on Monday.
The move follows the state Legislature passing LB258 this year, which would slow the continued increase of the minimum wage, as well as create a separate youth wage. Bowers said his measure will return to the language used on the ballot initiative, and make the youth wage commensurate with the overall minimum wage while increasing the minimum wage each year to keep pace with inflation.
“Lincoln voters were clear, and they spoke with strength across every part of this city. This ordinance merely keeps that decision intact,” Bowers said in a statement Thursday. “When voters set a standard so overwhelmingly, it should not be changed after the fact.”
State Sen. Danielle Conrad, who opposed the changes to the minimum wage the Legislature passed this year, said she is “grateful” to see the city council take up the issue.
“Nebraskans were crystal clear about their decision on this matter, and their votes should be respected. Unfortunately, in recent years the Legislature has undercut the will of the voters to deliver favors to corporate special interests with massive lobbying power at the expense of Nebraska voters and working families,” Conrad said.
Critics Concerned For Competitiveness
While proponents of the measure cite support from voters in passing the minimum wage initiative in 2022, critics say they are concerned that the measure could hurt the city’s ability to compete for jobs.
City Council Member Tom Duden told The Plains Sentinel the measure put youth and teen jobs at risk in Lincoln. “I want wages to be competitive and comparable to like cities,” he said.
Jason Ball, president and CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, said that the group had some “pretty fundamental questions” about whether the city was taking the right step.
“I understand the ballot initiative itself was very popular,” Ball said. “But it’s very clear that the industries that will be impacted by this are going to be predominantly small businesses and the type of small businesses that community members and leaders talk about wanting more of in Lincoln.”
Ball mentioned restaurants, independent retail, early childhood education, daycare services, and house construction as businesses and industries that could be impacted by changes to the minimum wage.
“It’s going to have some outcomes that I don’t think even proponents of that are wanting,” he added.
A spokesperson for The League of Nebraska Municipalities told The Plains Sentinel that they are not aware of another city in Nebraska considering a similar minimum wage increase.
The measure will require three readings and a public hearing before it goes for a final vote.
John Gage is the executive editor of The Plains Sentinel.
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Not a surprise from a government city, where government is largest employer, where City economy is a leech on state government. They are raising socialists in Lincoln. These fools are do-gooders! How arrogant to think a a member of the City council you know what the right price for labor is! You fool. Trying reading, researching and educating yourself on economics. Are you going to set Starbucks coffee price, or cereal price in a grocery store. What does your research on economic history tell you about the success of central planning prices and allocation of resources. You are a fool. Easy to see why you were elected in Lincoln.
Hope a constitutional attorney comments on a City statute that is in conflict with a state statute.
I hope state Senators seek revenge for all the rest of the people who visit Lincoln to attend the University , go to Husker sports events or otherwise are in Lincoln because state government is located there. I already know the ‘fools’ response. Do not come here. As dumb as government setting price of labor.
The entire City economy is parasitic to state tax dollars paid by all state residents.
Maybe your first reading of economics could start with Milton Friedman. Get the government out of the economy, including City governments
SUBHEAD: "Lincoln politicians plan to starve the ignorant. Those whose skills are worth less than $15/hr. will no longer be allowed to work."