The Nebraska State AFL-CIO hosted its annual Legislative Conference and Lobby Day on February 20 and 21, 2024 in Lincoln. AFL-CIO affiliated labor unions from across Nebraska, including NAPE/AFSCME, sent member delegates to the conference to learn more about pending legislation in the Unicameral, as well as to meet with state senators to lobby regarding issues important to labor unions and our members. Hundreds of delegates were recognized in the balcony of the legislative chamber by Senator Mike McDonnell (LD5, Omaha).
NAPE/AFSCME members Rene Botts (DHHS, Lincoln), Brandon Brown (Revenue, Lincoln), Michael Henry (DHHS, Lincoln), Justin Hubly (Executive Director, Lincoln), Brian Koch (Labor, Beatrice), Jay Jensen (NDOT, Omaha), Anissa Rasmussen (Economic Development, Lincoln), and Sharon Waters (Game & Parks, Lincoln) served as delegates to the conference. They spent much of the first day listening to guest speakers including elected officials, labor leaders, and experts on pending legislation in the Unicameral.
On the second day of the conference, our delegates met directly with state senators in the rotunda of the capitol to discuss issues important to our union members, such as collective bargaining rights, paid family leave, retirement benefits, and more. “It was so powerful having the opportunity to talk directly with our elected leaders and discuss important issues affecting our union members,” said Sharon Waters. “I encourage all of our members to be involved in the legislative process.”
Brandon Brown, a member of the NAPE/AFSCME Executive Committee found talking with senators to be both easy and rewarding. “I found that they very much wanted to talk with us and learn about issues affecting state employees. It was awesome to be able to have a direct one-on-one conversation about our issues.”
A union is a group of employees who unite together to protect each other’s best interests. As an affiliate of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, we are able to unite with an even larger group of Nebraska union members to make our voices heard. It’s vitally important that our elected representatives hear from us both at the capitol and in their districts. You can find your state senator by clicking here.