The Nebraska Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on April 17, but before it does, it must pass a balanced state budget. NAPE/AFSCME union members have advocated throughout the entire 2026 legislative session to “Protect Public Services” and the unnecessary layoff of our union members. Our efforts have paid off, and we believe that we have prevented the most drastic proposals that would have eliminated vital state services and jobs.
Union members testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee throughout the session to ensure senators heard our voice regarding state agency budgets. While some state agencies like DHHS, Economic Development, and the State Patrol are expected to eliminate some vacant positions, we do not anticipate significant layoffs as a result of the final budget proposal.
Union members won a major victory when the legislature voted unanimously to stop a proposal that would have led to the lay off of more than 60 union members at DHHS youth facilities. Our union joined a coalition to stop the poorly planned transfer of youth, which will prevent mass layoffs. We believe the Department of Correctional Services will continue with its plan to close the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility, and should our members receive lay off notices, we will enforce their rights under our contract.
The state budget debate was not without drama. In March, Senator Myron Dorn (LD30, Beatrice) stated on the floor of the legislature that he would ask the Appropriations Committee to furlough every state employee for 20 hours in order to balance the budget. As a result, NAPE/AFSCME members came out in force and contacted their state senators to prevent Senator Dorn’s proposal from becoming a reality. Before the end of the day, Senator Dorn stated he would not make any proposal to furlough state employees.
“That’s the power of our union,” said NAPE/AFSCME President Melissa Schmid (DHHS, Fremont). “I want to thank each and every member for uniting to protect public services this legislative session. We can face any battle head on when we unite together.”
Not a member of our union? Join us today and strengthen our voice to protect public services in Nebraska.