Today, Nebraska's state senators voted against introduction of a bill to protect meatpacking workers from Covid-19. They voted against even hearing from workers, against @TonyVargas's plea to see "if there is anything we can do." (THREAD) journalstar.com/legislature/se…
Nearly 5,000 meatpacking workers have tested positive for Covid-19 in Nebraska—1 in 5 of the state's cases. Twenty-two have died. @TomBrewerForNe worried what impact protecting workers would have on the beef industry. Steve Erdman blamed workers themselves for getting sick.
Ten senators decided that protecting profits for the meat industry by maintaining line speeds and work shifts was more important than even hearing from workers. Eleven more sat silent through the vote. The reason is simple: Nebraska meatpacking workers are largely Hispanic.
Sen. Vargas is the only Hispanic member of the Legislature and represents a largely Hispanic district in south Omaha. His own father died from Covid-19 after 29 days in the hospital. And to his face, 21 state senators said that Hispanic meatpackers should not even be heard.
Here's how they voted (h/t @NebraskaMegan)
6 of the 21 senators who voted nay or present face reelection challenges:
Julie Slama, District 1
Joni Albrecht, District 17
Mike Hilgers, District 21
Suzanne Geist, District 25
Lou Ann Linehan, District 39
Andrew La Grone, District 49
6 of the 21 senators who voted nay or present face reelection challenges:
Julie Slama, District 1
Joni Albrecht, District 17
Mike Hilgers, District 21
Suzanne Geist, District 25
Lou Ann Linehan, District 39
Andrew La Grone, District 49
