The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is reacting to a proposed ordinance from City Councilman James Michael Bowers that would maintain the minimum of wage standard approved by Nebraska voters in 2022.
67 percent of local voters supported Initiative 433, establishing a path to a $15 minimum wage in Nebraska by 2026 with annual cost-of-living adjustments. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Ball they have long held positions against using minimum wage increases as a way to increase the standard of living for residents.
“Rather, the Lincoln Chamber supports policies and programs that induce economic growth, which will create market-based salary and wage increases. This free enterprise approach is what will enable sustainable wage and standard of living enhancements over time,” Ball says.
“Whether it is this specific proposal before the Lincoln City Council, the recent voter approved minimum wage standard, or other policies, the impact is the same. Small businesses are harmed, and by extension, so are their employees and the customers they serve.”
Ball says the post-COVID competition for labor pushed salaries, wages and benefits higher at rates not experienced in decades. In response, many employers across the nation, and in Lincoln, increased wages far in excess of the current, state-wide minimum wage.
“This includes sectors such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, professional services, and information technology.” Ball says small businesses were dramatically impacted. “Raising the minimum wage in Lincoln will only put more pressure on industry sectors that residents want to see grow.”
That includes restaurants, independent retailers, coffee shops, early childhood care and daycare centers, and housing construction. The ordinance was read for the first time on April 27 and will be subject to a public hearing this Tuesday during the 3:00 City Council meeting.