Government Affairs

NAPE 2023-2025 Legislative Priorities

NAPE’s legislative priorities for the 2023-2025 biennium were adopted by delegates to the NAPE Delegate Assembly in August 2023. Our legislative priorities can be viewed below. [Download PDF]

NAPE strongly supports legislation that reinforces the rights of unions to organize and advocate for employees of the State of Nebraska.

NAPE WILL…
  1. Support legislation strengthening the State Employees Collective Bargaining Act
    • Create a fair impasse procedure
    • Ensure accurate and fair comparability
  2. Fight any effort to weaken or diminish the collective bargaining rights provided to employees in the State Employees Collective Bargaining Act

NAPE supports state budget and tax policies that ensure adequate funding for the vital services provided by state agencies.

NAPE WILL…
  1. Ensure state employees’ salary and benefits are fully funded
  2. Oppose any cutback to vital state services or layoff of state employees
  3. Advocate for measures that move Nebraska towards a fair tax system where corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share

NAPE will advocate for legislation that ensures a safe working environment for all state employees.

NAPE WILL…
  1. Ensure all state employees are provided with necessary safety equipment, personal protective equipment, and health screening
  2. Advocate for legislation that protects employees from workplace risks
  3. Ensure that those who are responsible for workplace safety violations are held accountable

NAPE strongly opposes the outsourcing of State of Nebraska jobs currently provided by public employees.

NAPE WILL…
  1. Support legislation that returns work to state employees that has been previously outsourced
  2. Oppose legislation that results in the outsourcing of any jobs that should be performed by state employees
  3. Oppose the use of artificial intelligence to replace the important work of state employees

NAPE believes that rights granted to state employees should be protected and strengthened.

NAPE WILL…
  1. Oppose any efforts to diminish workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance benefits
  2. Support efforts to raise the minimum wage in Nebraska
  3. Support legislation requiring paid family leave for all employees
  4. Support anti-discrimination legislation, and oppose discriminatory legislation.

Government Affairs Committee

The NAPE/AFSCME Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is a bipartisan committee comprised of members appointed by the NAPE/AFSCME President to monitor pending legislation, advocate on behalf of members, and make endorsement recommendations for political candidates. Current committee members are:

Brandon Brown
Revenue, Lincoln (Chair)

Brianne Bushlow
DHHS, Fremont

Daniel Buchanan
Corrections, Lincoln

Michael Henry
DHHS, Lincoln

Avery Hulse
DHHS, Lincoln

Adam Johnson
DHHS, Fremont

Michael King
DHHS, Kearney

Jamie Novacek

DHHS, Center

Anissa Rasmussen
Economic Development, Lincoln

Kris Rossman
DHHS, Scottsbluff

Ashlie Thompson
DHHS, Lincoln

Sharon Waters
Game & Parks, Lincoln

Melissa Haynes
DHHS, Fremont (Ex-officio)

Justin Hubly
Executive Director, Lincoln

People PAC

NAPE/AFSCME has its own Political Action Committee (PAC) called the NAPE/AFSCME PEOPLE PAC. PEOPLE stands for Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality. The PEOPLE PAC makes donations to candidates, committees, and ballot initiatives that support working families. Funds in the PEOPLE PAC are voluntary donations from union members. Members who do not wish to make a voluntary donation of $4.63 for 2024 can request a refund by sending a letter to NAPE/AFSCME PEOPLE PAC, 1230 O Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508. 2024 refund requests must be postmarked by August 31, 2024.

2025 Legislative session

The legislature will convene on January 8, 2025. The NAPE/AFSCME Government Affairs Committee (GAC) will review proposed legislation and take positions on bills in January. The GAC uses the NAPE/AFSCME Legislative Platform as a guide to take positions on bills.

To find your State Senator, visit the Nebraska Legislature site where you can search by your home address to locate your senator.