County-City Building in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Jeff Motz/KFOR News)LINCOLN–(KFOR May 4)–Several people testified before the Lincoln City Council Monday afternoon about a proposed city ordinance that would reverse amended changes made by Nebraska Lawmakers to a voter approved initiative that would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour along with annual cost of living adjustments. The ordinance introduced by Council member James Michael Bowers maintains the original minimum wage standard, without exceptions. That would reverse what state lawmakers decided on during the 60-day legislative session to keep cost of living at a steady 1.75% each year and the decision to give employers the right to pay youth workers less than minimum wage. The bill this ordinance is looking to reverse what was passed earlier this year by Lincoln Senator Jane Raybould. She told KFOR’s media partner, 10/11 News, that the decision was based on economic studies that suggests high minimum wage only hinders job creation and growth. Those who spoke in favor of Bowers’ proposal on Monday shared the same thought of ensuring people of all ages can make a livable wage means increasing it alongside inflation for all. “We believe the most effective social programs are those designed to prevent or reduce poverty, and this measure represents meaningful progress towards this goal,” said Jean McGuire on behalf of the League of Women Voters, who collected signatures for Initiative 433 that was approved by Nebraska voters in 2022. Mark L’Hereux, who is the executive director of Christ Lincoln Schools, said that some businesses such as theirs not designed to prioritize profit, and the extra pressure of abiding to a fast-rising minimum wage would be an unfair strain on them. “Since 2023, we’ve increased wages by approximately 25% to ensure equity across all staff levels,” L’Hereux said. “As a result, we’ve also had to increase tuition on average of 10% year over year to sustain operations.” Council members are expected to vote on it at next Monday’s meeting.   ...read more read less