Growing up, my grandmother always said, “take the bad news first so you can end on a positive note.” There is good news to focus on with respect to the happenings of our legislature; but there is also not so good news to share. In my grandmother’s honor, I’ll start with the “not so good news.”
the “not so good news”
WE OPPOSE:
LB 698
(Sen. Strommen) – This bill is an attempt to chip away at Initiative 436 which the majority of Nebraska voters (75%) supported & takes effect in October. Initiative 436 requires employers with fewer than 20 employees to provide up to 5 days annually of sick leave and employers with 20 or more workers to allow up to 7 days. The claim is that the bill is meant to give small employers a safeguard if they incur additional costs which might result in job loss or downsizing. This is a smokescreen, however. To the contrary, 436 will help accelerate small business growth and help ensure employee wellness which aids longevity in the workplace. LB 698 will not help women or the marginalized community.
LB 89 i.e. “The Stand with Women Act”
(Sen. Kauth) i.e. “The Stand with Women Act” – Yet another attempt to restrict rights and oppress members of our transgender community. This bill is an attempt to bamboozle women. It does not protect women. It is a proposal aimed at restricting & excluding transgender athletes to teams, restrooms and locker rooms and forcing classifications of male/female. Studies have shown that states allowing for transgender-inclusive sports have shown more participation of girls in sports. In addition to being oppressive, this bill presents a great potential for abuse.
LB 258
(Sen. Raybould) – This bill is aimed at slowing annual increases in Nebraska’s minimum wage after Jan. 1, 2027, which is when it will reach $15/hour. The wage wouldn’t automatically increase due to changes in cost of living. Rather, it would increase to the lesser of 1.5% rounded to the nearest cent or the cost of living. Women compose a large percentage of those earning minimum wage (or lower). Putting restrictions on future increases to the wage only creates further obstacles for women to afford their basic living needs and creates a vaster gender income gap.
LB 512
(Sen. Holdcroft) - The proposed restrictions of this bill are aimed at making it more difficult for Nebraska women to get a medication abortion. Many physicians rightfully believe the bill puts many burdensome restrictions on the use of the medication such that it essentially would be a total ban on medication abortions. This bill presents yet another barrier to abortion care by adding unnecessary steps and even the potential for criminal consequences for physicians.
the “good news”
WE SUPPORT:
LB 17
(Sen Cavanaugh)- We know rents are ever increasing which makes it increasingly difficult to afford housing. This bill proposes protections for tenants (many who are single mothers) by prohibiting certain landlord rental fees. For instance, exorbitant late fees and punitive returned check fees would be capped. We welcome such safeguards for those who need it the most, women and other minorities.
LB 267
(Sen Rountree)- A proposal to protect domestic violence victims, LB 267 would provide removal from a rental agreement of an occupant who has committed domestic violence. Further, landlords would be required to change locks, and they would be empowered with more duties affording victims much needed safety.
LB 469
(Sen Cavanaugh) This bill furthers access to safe, affordable housing by placing requirements on all eviction notices. Specifically, the state court administrator would have to develop a mandatory form to be included in all residential eviction notices. The form would provide valuable information about community resources for all vulnerable tenants.
LB 68
(Sen. Raybould) This bill promotes the health and welfare of women by providing coverage for certain contraceptives under insurance policies to include Medicaid. Specifically, birth control (up to a 12-month supply) prescribed by a health care provider would be allowed.
LR7CA
(Sen. Dorn) We need more voices for gender equity causes in our Nebraska legislature. Thankfully, this is a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise legislative salaries to $30,000 a year. More advocates for these critical causes would hopefully be able to run for office.
At McGill Law, we are proud to be a family law firm dedicated to gender equity and inclusion. We are here to support you and your family through every step of your journey.
If we can help, contact us in Omaha or Lincoln at 402-548-548.