Lincoln, Nebraska, Enacts Local Minimum Wage Law

Lincoln is the first city in Nebraska to enact its own local minimum wage law, under an ordinance effective July 18.

Prior to the ordinance’s passage, the Nebraska Department of Justice published an opinion stating that it would be invalid because it conflicts with state law.

“The attorney general’s opinion is not binding, it isn’t law, and it is ultimately just a legal opinion,” said Lincoln Councilman James Michael Bowers (D), the sponsor of Ordinance 21872, at a May 11 council meeting. “There are attorneys and public servants with decades of experience who disagree, including our city legal ...