In November 2024, nearly 75% of Nebraska voters supported a ballot initiative to approve paid sick leave for workers. Just months later, and before the law was even implemented, members of the Nebraska Legislature overturned the will of the people and exempted 140,000 hardworking Nebraskans from being able to earn paid sick leave to care for themselves or a family member.
During this 2026 session, the first bill passed weakened voter-approved minimum wage increases for Nebraskans and also capped future cost-of-living increases. And after Nebraskans have voted against public funding for private school vouchers multiple times, the Governor is ignoring your voices and doing it anyway.
I’ve had enough. And I’m not alone.
When people take the time to vote on a ballot initiative, it’s not a suggestion or a survey. It’s Nebraskans speaking. Every oval filled in at the kitchen table, every ballot dropped into a box, every “yes” or “no” is a clear instruction from the people how we want to be governed.
When powerful interests or lawmakers try to undo, shrink or ignore voter-approved laws, they’re breaking faith with us as voters and sending a message that our voices don’t count. It’s time to change that!
I’m proud to sponsor a new ballot initiative, Respect Nebraska Voters. This constitutional amendment will change the number of state lawmakers required to undo or change laws voters have passed from two-thirds of the state legislature to a four-fifths supermajority. It also protects our freedom to vote on important issues facing our communities by strengthening protections for the ballot initiative process itself, requiring the same supermajority to prevent politicians from passing laws that restrict the people’s ability to bring initiatives.
Nebraskans, we have an opportunity to shift power to you, the voter. Let’s make it clear that as the Second House, we deserve respect.
Join me at RespectNEVoters.org! Find out where you can sign the petition today!
Jo Giles
Women’s Fund Executive Director