Contact: Blake Case 
blake@emccommunications.com, (601) 832-6079

Oct. 13, 2022 —A coalition of nearly 300 Nebraska business owners and executives across the state released a statement today supporting ballot Initiative 433, which would gradually raise Nebraska’s minimum wage to $15 by 2026. 

In the words of the Nebraska Business for a Fair Minimum Wage Statement, “Workers are also customers. Minimum wage increases go right back into the economy as spending at local businesses.” The Statement also points out that “Low pay typically means higher turnover as workers look elsewhere to make ends meet. Raising the minimum wage pays off in lower employee turnover, lower hiring and training costs, increased productivity, and better customer service, which keeps customers coming back.” 

Nebraska Business for a Fair Minimum Wage Initiative 433 supporters commented from around the state:

Sylvia Painter, owner of The Country Wagon LLC in Grand Island: “Raising Nebraska’s minimum wage will be good for business. When workers are paid more they can spend more. The minimum wage needs to keep up with the cost of living. We pay above minimum wage now and it’s well worth it. Employees are happier, stay with us longer, and do a better job at work. We look forward to the ballot initiative passing.”

Steph Terry, director of operations, Morrow Collision Center in Lincoln: “Raising the minimum wage will be great for our growing business and our community. Fair pay shows in our service. We know we can count on our team to deliver the friendly service and excellent quality that our customers count on.”

Amanda Lynch, owner of Jackson St. Booksellers in Omaha: “How can anyone survive on $9 per hour? There is not enough money to pay for basics, let alone extras like books from my store. A healthy community requires a local economy where money is recirculated and spent locally. When the minimum wage is raised we will see a direct impact in our local community.”

Matthew Fletcher, owner of Mid Nebraska Ice in North Platte: “It helps the economy when working people have more in their pockets to spend. And a higher wage will encourage people to get jobs.”

Mikaela Krueger, owner of Optika Curated Eyewear in Hastings: “When the minimum wage goes up, local businesses will see increased consumer spending boost their sales and revenue. And when you value employees and pay them a fair wage, they do a better job at work and stay with you longer. We’ve seen lower employee turnover and hiring costs by paying and treating people well.”

Ross DiPrima, owner of Jackson St. Tavern in Omaha: “Raising the minimum wage is about more money circulating back into my business, and it’s about treating workers with the respect they deserve. For me, paying a good wage has shown over and over its value to my business. My employees know they are valued and they make my customers feel valued. My business prospers with happy employees.”

Gail Yenny, owner of Flatwater Apparel in Grand Island: “As a business owner for more than 40 years, I can tell you it’s the people who build your business. You have to treat them fairly. And the returns on investing in people are big when you do. Our turnover is so low we haven’t had to replace an employee in years until someone recently retired. Raising the minimum wage will help Nebraska thrive.”

Julie Sonderup, owner of Moose’s Tooth Outdoor Co. in Lincoln: “People can’t make ends meet on $9 an hour, and a minimum wage that low devalues workers’ time on the job. We pay more and employees know we value their work and time. Properly compensating employees leads to happier employees who are generally better at customer service. This leads to happier customers. And happier customers tend to spend more money.” 

Initiative 433 would increase Nebraska’s minimum wage from $9 to $10.50 per hour on Jan. 1, 2023, $12 on Jan. 1, 2024, $13.50 on Jan. 1, 2025, and $15 on Jan. 1, 2026, followed by annual cost of living adjustments so the minimum wage does not lose purchasing power.

Click here to see the growing list of Nebraska businesses supporting Initiative 433.

To arrange an interview with Nebraska business owners supportive of raising the minimum wage, please contact Blake Case at blake@emccommunications.com or (601) 832-6079.

###

Nebraska Business for a Fair Minimum Wage is a coalition of business owners and executives who support raising Nebraska’s minimum wage. 

Paid for by Raise the Wage Nebraska.