Protect Tenants and Workers: Support the Override of LB287

Governor Vetoes Bed Bug Bill—Now It's Time to Fight Back

Omaha tenants are living with bed bugs. Public housing workers are being sent into infested units. And Governor Jim Pillen just vetoed the bill that would have helped stop it.

Last week, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB287 with 34 votes—a strong, bipartisan measure introduced by Senator Terrell McKinney to require Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) and other housing agencies in metropolitan-class cities to follow basic procedures for inspecting, reporting, and remediating bed bug infestations.

The bill would have required housing agencies to:

Conduct visual inspections before renting a unit
Disclose infestations in adjacent units
Inspect within 5 days of a complaint
Begin professional treatment within 14 days
Notify tenants of findings and maintain records for 2 years
Cover all costs for inspections and treatments

It also would have allowed cities like Omaha to pass local ordinances to strengthen enforcement, helping ensure agencies like OHA are held accountable when tenants are left to live in uninhabitable conditions.

So Why Did Governor Pillen Veto It?

The governor claims the bill is “duplicative” and that cities already have the power to act. But this is misleading.

Tony Burkhalter, AFSCME Local 251 President, stated, "As someone who has spoken directly with the Mayor of Omaha, I can tell you: the City has repeatedly claimed it has no control over OHA and has directed tenants to file individual complaints with code enforcement. LB287 would have fixed that by giving the City clear authority to hold OHA accountable, if they choose to."

Let’s be clear: This bill was not a burden. It was a lifeline.

It did not force action. It empowered it.

It did not overreach. It established responsibility.

And it didn’t just protect tenants. It also protected the public employees—our union brothers and sisters—who are sent into these unsafe environments without proper notice, protection, or support.

Now We Need You

Senator Terrell McKinney has filed a motion to override the governor’s veto.

We need every Nebraskan—especially union members, tenants, housing advocates, and public employees—to call their state senator and urge them to support the override.

This bill is about basic health and safety. It’s about dignity. And it’s about refusing to let politics come before people.

What You Can Do Right Now:

Call your state senator: Find them here — https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_find.php
Use your voice on social media: Tag your senator and say you support #LB287 and the override.
Email your senator directly with a short message urging a YES vote on the override.
Share this article and spread the word. We can’t let this issue die in silence.

Together, we can protect tenants. Protect workers. And override this veto.