LINCOLN — Today, Nebraska Appleseed Executive Director Becky Gould issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s State of the State Address.
“We couldn’t agree more with Governor Ricketts when he said Nebraska’s greatest resource is our people, and we echo his spirit of collaboration that we can make a stronger, better state when we work together,” Gould said. “We are greatly encouraged to hear the Governor focus on promoting a people-centric culture for the Department of Health and Human Services, increasing educational opportunities, and mentioning that our public programs should both ensure all Nebraskans can meet their basic needs while having a meaningful opportunity to move forward.
“Several bills that have been introduced in the 2015 Legislative session would accomplish these goals we share with the Governor, including bills to reduce the harmful cliff effect the Governor mentioned that hinders many hard-working Nebraskans who are trying to provide for their families.
“We strongly concur with the Governor that treating each other with dignity, respect, and civility are core Nebraska values,” Gould said. “LB 472, the Medicaid Redesign Act, is one way we can reflect those values in practice. We can grow our economy and provide jobs by ensuring all working Nebraskans can get the health coverage they need. This bill would close the health coverage gap, bring nearly $2 billion back to Nebraska to stabilize our health care facilities, and give opportunity and incentive to working Nebraskans to meet their full potential.
“Investing in our communities and providing the opportunities for all Nebraskans to get ahead while being able to afford health care is the surest path to a secure and prosperous future for our state,” Gould said. “We look forward to working with Governor Ricketts and his administration to expand opportunities for all Nebraskans to have The Good Life.”