***For Immediate Release***
January 1, 2025
Contact: Sierra Salgado Pirigyi
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
Office: 402-438-8853 x116
sierrasp@neappleseed.org
Nebraska workers receive another wage increase
because of Initiative 433
The increase to $13.50/hour is the third in a series of raises
LINCOLN, NE — Today, Nebraska increased its minimum wage for workers across the state to $13.50/hour. This was the third in a set of annual $1.50 raises in hourly wages until the minimum wage reaches $15 in 2026, after which wages will be adjusted every year to account for cost of living increases.
This increase is the direct result of substantial support from 58% of Nebraskans across the state who voted in favor of Initiative 433, a ballot measure to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15. This initiative was critical to ensure that working Nebraskans and their families are moving towards a livable wage so that they can thrive in their communities. A higher minimum wage – and one tied to cost of living adjustments – will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of working Nebraskans, their families, and their communities. It will also be a step towards narrowing Nebraska’s racial and gender pay gaps.
The broad coalition of organizations, leaders, and community advocates who worked tirelessly in support of Initiative 433 also remain strongly opposed to any attempts to undermine this legislation, including placing caps on cost of living adjustments or creating harmful subminimum wage policies.
“A strong minimum wage that keeps up with the rising cost of living benefits Nebraska’s workers, communities, and economy,” said Sue Martin, President-Secretary-Treasurer of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO. “We are pleased to see Initiative 433 continue to benefit Nebraska workers and families with another minimum wage increase today. These consistent, predictable increases toward $15 since 2023, along with the annual cost of living increases that will begin in 2027, will ensure that hardworking Nebraska workers don’t fall behind.”
Nebraska Appleseed Economic Justice Program Director Ken Smith issued the following statement:
“Nebraskans know that when we have the resources to care for ourselves and our loved ones, communities across our state thrive. With the 2025 legislative session beginning next week, the Raise the Wage Nebraska coalition and its supporters will be monitoring the legislature to ensure that Nebraskans’ overwhelming support for Initiative 433 is not undermined by exceptions, and that our state’s minimum wage remains the same across the board for workers. Every Nebraskan deserves fair pay that keeps up with the cost of living.”
Organizations:
ACLU Nebraska
The Arc of Nebraska
The Asian Community and Cultural Center
The Fairness Project
Heartland Workers Center
Mothers & Others: Mercy and Justice for Immigrants
NAACP Lincoln Youth Council
Nebraska Appleseed
The Nebraska Civic Engagement Table
Nebraska State AFL-CIO
OutNebraska
Unity in Action
Voices for Children
Women’s Fund of Omaha
YWCA Grand Island
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