Last week, the United States Supreme Court announced it will hear Nebraska’s case against Colorado for failing to honor the terms of the 1923 South Platte River Compact. The case centers on Colorado’s failure to restrict junior water users whose use affects the water that should flow to Nebraska. We all know how important water is, not only for our agricultural producers but also for our communities.

It is also important to remember that Nebraska and Colorado entered the Compact because, before the agreement, Nebraska could call for water down the South Platte River at any time. The compact was a compromise. However, Colorado has not upheld its end of the agreement. I sympathize with the Colorado farmers affected by this issue, but I am also concerned about Nebraskans who have been harmed because the agreement has not been honored.

I appreciate the work that Attorney General Hilgers and his staff have done to get us to this point. Mike is a great AG and has earned my respect from the time I first met him when he was serving as the Speaker of the Legislature. I am confident that we will be well represented as this case moves forward.

It is expected that this litigation could take several years. In the meantime, Nebraska must remain committed to building the Perkins County Canal and vigorously defend our water entitlements under the Compact. I have always been hopeful that there could be some kind of settlement that allows both states to avoid litigation costs, but time will tell once this case is decided.

The Supreme Court has also issued several opinions over the last few weeks, including upholding laws in West Virginia and Idaho that restrict men from participating in women’s sports. Signatures have been submitted to a ballot initiative in Nebraska along a similar vein. I hope that Nebraskans get an opportunity to weigh in on this issue and it is ultimately passed. So many have fought to create opportunities for women to participate in sports. In my mind, these measures are not about discriminating against men or transgender individuals; it is about protecting the ability of women and girls to compete in a fair environment.

I also read this week that Nebraska’s teen unemployment rate has tripled since the voter-approved minimum wage law took effect. As you may recall, the ballot initiative raised the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2026. As passed, the law did not include an exception for workers under age 16. However, the Legislature later modified the initiative, with the required two-thirds majority vote, to allow employers to pay 14- and 15-year-olds a reduced wage of $13.50 per hour.

The Legislature’s change recognized that younger teens are limited in what jobs they can perform. For example, they cannot legally drive for work, lift items weighing more than 50 pounds, work late hours, or perform certain hazardous jobs. Because of these restrictions, younger workers may be less attractive to employers. When they must be paid the same wage as older workers who are not subject to the same limits, employers may be less likely to hire them.

All of these factors have made it harder for young people to get a first job and begin developing a strong work ethic. I believe minimum wage requirements should be carefully considered before they are imposed. Good intentions can still lead to unintended consequences when they meet reality. Even with the minimum wage change made by the Legislature, the challenges younger workers face in finding employment may need further attention.

It is a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding issues that are important to you. I can be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.