OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Voters have approved a measure raising Nebraska's minimum wage to $9 an hour by 2016.
The measure won Tuesday despite opposition from most Republican officials and business leaders, who argued it would hurt companies and force them to cut jobs.
Supporters countered that the increase from the current minimum wage of $7.25 was needed because Nebraska workers who earn that much are struggling. They contended the increased wage could make a significant difference to workers while causing little harm to businesses.
The Legislature had declined to increase the minimum wage, so advocates collected signatures from nearly 135,000 people to put it on the ballot. Nebraska's minimum wage was last increased in 2009.
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