Trying to keep up with all the changes in laws and guidelines can be challenging and confusing. The Courier is committed to doing what we can to help keep our readers updated on those things that specifically impact our region. We thank Sen. Tanya Storer for weekly updates on what is happening with our State Legislature, and in our continuing effort to keep you informed, we will be adding a new feature called Get In The Know. This is the first installment of what we hope will become a weekly column.

MINIMUM WAGE

If you have had a hard time keeping up with the current minimum wage laws in Nebraska, you are not alone. Here is where we’re at.

In accordance with an initiative passed by voters in November of 2022, the minimum wage has increased by $1.50 each year. On Jan. 1, 2026, Nebraska’s minimum wage increased to $15 per hour.

The minimum hourly wage for tipped employees is $2.13, and employers are responsible for ensuring that wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage.

Beginning in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually in line with the cost-of-living increase as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

SNAP BENEFITS

Another change in Nebraska that became effective Jan. 1 pertains to items eligible for purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Gov. Jim Pillen began a quest back in April 2025, seeking to remove soda and energy drinks from the list of items that can be purchased with SNAP.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved that request a short time later, and as of the first of the year, Nebraska became the first state to prohibit tax dollars from subsidizing the purchase of soda and energy drinks through SNAP. Those benefits are designed to support individuals and families by improving access to nutritious foods. However, according to the USDA, soft drinks are the most frequently purchased SNAP item nationwide.

In Nebraska, approximately 75,000 households, representing more than 152,000 individuals receive SNAP benefits. An estimated 67,690 of those recipients are children and youth.

ELECTION PREVIEW

Several seats on the local, state, and national levels are up for election in 2026. Anyone interested in running for office could have his or her name added to the ballot as a candidate beginning on Jan. 5. Feb. 17 was the deadline for incumbents (current office holders) to file for office on the primary election ballot.

The primary election in Nebraska will be held on May 12. In next week’s issue of the Courier, our Get In The Know column will feature more information on the seats up for election in this cycle, and who has filed to fill those seats.