After today, senators only have 5 days of the 2020 session to address the many issues impacting Nebraskans this year. You can find today’s legislative agenda here and you can read more about our 2020 legislative priorities on our blog.
Raise your voice: Essential workers must have essential protections
Last week, Senator Tony Vargas filed a motion to suspend the rules to permit the introduction of a new bill. The new bill would address the working conditions in meat and poultry plants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite months of pleas from workers, their families, and their communities for the Legislature to act, Senator Vargas’ motion failed by only two votes.
HOWEVER – the fight is not over.
This Thursday, August 6 at 1:30 p.m. CT, a hearing on AM3238 to LB667 is scheduled before the Business and Labor Committee. The hearing will be at the Nebraska State Capitol in Room 1525.
Nebraskans will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ensure essential workers in meat and poultry plants have the essential protections they need.
If you prefer to send a written testimony, send it to the Business and Labor Chairman Matt Hansen at mhansen@leg.ne.gov by tomorrow, August 5 at 5 p.m CT. and contact your state senator, too. Find your state senator here.
Senators need to put in place clear and enforceable temporary protections – including six-foot distancing throughout all areas of the plant, transparency of information, effective screening and contract tracing – for meatpacking workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s time for essential workers to have essential protections.
Last week’s highlights
LB848, introduced by Senator Pansing Brooks, advanced to select file. This bill would provide more opportunities for native youth aging out of the foster care system to participate in Nebraska’s Bridge to Independence (B2I) program.
LB924, introduced by Senator Ernie Chambers, passed on final reading. This bill would require at least two hours of anti-bias/implicit bias training per year for law enforcement across the state.
We thank all the senators who introduced and supported these pieces of legislation this session!
Stay up to date on Appleseed’s issues
You can keep up with all the happenings at the Legislature by following Appleseed online. Like our Facebook page and follow legislative hearings in real-time on Appleseed’s Twitter feed. Stop by our blog for opinion pieces, informative updates, and news stories.
We’ll let you know how you can take action to get involved and make your voice heard throughout the session!
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