As reported by the Lincoln Journal Star, the state of Nebraska’s recently increased $9/hour minimum wage is putting some pressure on the state’s Game and Parks Commission. While state government is exempt from the wage requirement, it is still being affected.
Case in point, the Game and Parks Commission is now having to offer higher wages in order to compete with higher-paying private sector jobs. The Commission is now asking Nebraska lawmakers for the authority to draw nearly $407,000 a year from an existing cash fund to cover the extra labor cost.
Nebraska’s relatively low unemployment rate is also helping to complicate employee recruitment. Those still looking for jobs have options.
The Parks Commission largely relies on temporary workers to tackle chores such as lawn care. It seeks good, qualified people to fill those positions, and that requires the ability to offer a higher wage that is on par with what the private sector is now required to pay.
