Neb. Lawmakers Fight Over Workers’ Compensation

A fight over whether to increase workers’ compensation benefits is brewing in the Nebraska Legislature.

State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha said during debate on a worker’s compensation measure (LB630) that lawmakers have helped farmers and businesses with a variety of bills, and blue-collar workers deserve help, too.

He said the measure would increase benefits for a small minority of workers who already get benefits.

The workers that pay to help businesses and farmers “haven’t asked you guys for anything,” Lathrop said.

But opponents said the measure could raise taxes for employers when they can least afford it. Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh of Omaha said that could hurt workers.

Lawmakers didn’t vote on the bill.