Cornhusker State News

Nebraska's small business owners have expressed concerns over the new statewide paid leave mandate, as revealed by a survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). The survey results indicate that 98 percent of respondents believe the mandate will negatively impact their businesses.

Ryan McIntosh, NFIB Nebraska State Director, stated, "Our members confirmed that Nebraska’s paid leave mandate will do more harm than good. Small business owners are already grappling with federal issues like high costs and hiring issues. An overwhelming majority of our survey participants agreed that paid leave regulation will only increase the burden. If lawmakers want to keep Main Street businesses thriving, they must right this wrong and lessen the pressure put on small business owners."

The NFIB is backing LB 648, a bill introduced by Nebraska Senator Paul Strommen. This legislation aims to amend some aspects of the Paid Leave mandate by exempting businesses with 10 or fewer employees and excluding temporary and seasonal workers, as well as youth under 16 from accruing paid leave. Additionally, it seeks to remove the private right of action to prevent potential frivolous lawsuits against small businesses.

Further findings from the survey show that 76 percent of participants were already offering paid leave before the implementation of the mandate. Moreover, 57 percent indicated that the new regulation would increase their administrative burden and overall business costs.