Senator Raybould’s Legislative Bill 258 is a priority bill for her. It has failed to pass through legislature in the most recent vote of 31-17. Because of the absence of multiple senators, the bill is being reconsidered. In the repeat vote, the previous supporters of the bill that were absent for this initial vote would amount to enough votes to pass the bill. LB 258 aims to reduce minimum wage increases, despite the fact that Nebraskans voted to increase minimum wage as a ballot initiative this past election cycle. 

LB 258 would specifically make it difficult for minors, or individuals under the age of 18, to be paid minimum wage. It requires that the “youth minimum wage” in Nebraska begins at $13.50 an hour and increases every year but never exceeds $15.00 an hour. This policy would put young workers behind in the next couple years as inflation increases resulting in the need for higher wages. The bill would legalize the policy of paying minors under minimum wage, only by the standard that their youth makes them ineligible for equal pay. The bill would bring about a system and standard of income inequality that is dictated by the age of workers. LB 258 would impact many students that have jobs, especially those who rely on their jobs to support themselves and their families. 

Advocating for equal pay is highly inaccessible to young people, as they do not have an equal opportunity to be represented by their district senators. Without input from the main group being affected by this bill, legal regulations would be placed on all young people in Nebraska without their consent. As young individuals, the most immediate action that can be taken is to email or contact their district senator and ask that they do not support the bill. However, young voices in the advocacy space are often disregarded. 

As this bill moves through Nebraska’s legislature, it is unclear what the outcome will be for young people who have jobs.