The Nebraska Unicameral Legislature began its short session on January 7, and the Governor introduced his proposed budget for consideration on January 15. Union members have united to protect public services during this session, and a review of the Governor’s budget shows why we must continue our advocacy throughout the legislative session.
The Legislature must fill a $471 million budget deficit prior to the end of the session. Agencies like DHHS, DED, DWEE, Game & Parks, Revenue, State Patrol, and others are proposing to eliminate more state jobs. Through our collective advocacy we can prevent additional layoffs of our union members. Appropriations Committee Hearings began on February 2, and we are carefully monitoring the mainline budget bill, as well as individual agency budgets.
Introduction of new bills is now complete for the 2026 legislative session. The NAPE/AFSCME Government Affairs Committee, a bipartisan group of union members appointed by our President, has reviewed all new bills and added them to our bills to watch list. You can review the complete list here.
Some highlights of bills we’re supporting include free parking for state employees, paid FMLA leave, access to confidential peer support counseling, and increased enforcement of speed limits in highway construction zones.
We’re opposing bills that would require the licensure of child/family service workers, allow agencies to develop their own different policies regarding bathroom usage at state facilities, and a bill that may affect our members who serve youth at 24-hour facilities.
We are also closely watching a bill that may affect our members who work at 24 hour youth facilities like the YRTCs, NCFY, and Whitehall Campus. Any changes would require both the passage of a bill to allow the shifting of the populations served at the facilities, as well as funding in the state budget. Despite rumors and statements from some managers, there is no codified proposal to close any facility at this time. We will provide updates to our affected members as they become available.
All NAPE/AFSCME members are invited to learn more about what’s happening in the legislature at a virtual meeting on Thursday, February 12 at 7pm central. Click here to register to attend.