LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A central Nebraska attorney has been confirmed to a state commission that resolves public sector labor disputes, despite objections from some lawmakers that he isn’t qualified.
Gregory Neuhaus of Grand Island secured a seat Thursday on the Nebraska Commission on Industrial Relations. Lawmakers voted 27-19 to confirm him for the position. Neuhaus was appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts, a fellow Republican.
Some progressive and moderate lawmakers say Neuhaus doesn’t have the experience required by law for the commission. He also was opposed by the AFL-CIO.
Neuhaus acknowledged in a hearing that he hadn’t done any work in employment law or negotiated labor contracts. But supporters say he’s an experienced, well-rounded attorney and would be unbiased.
Neuhaus ran for the Legislature in 2016 but narrowly lost to state Sen. Dan Quick.