***For Immediate Release***
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Contact: Magdalena Cazarez
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
O: (402) 438-8853 ext 119
C: (402) 504-0074
mcazarez@neappleseed.org
Response to the Governor’s State of the State Address
Addressing inequitable and unjust systems to ensure policies work for all of our communities
LINCOLN, NE – On Thursday, January 14, Nebraska Appleseed’s Executive Director, Becky Gould, issued the following statement in response to Governor Ricketts’ State of the State Address delivered Thursday morning:
“Today, Governor Ricketts shared his reflections on the state of the state, discussed the unforeseen challenges presented by the pandemic, and announced his priorities for the 2021 legislative session. What was missing, however, was any discussion about the need to address the substantial hardship Nebraskans are facing because of the pandemic or the systemic racism that is harming our communities, our state, and our country. These are the issues at the front of people’s minds and that are motivating so many Nebraskans to call for meaningful change. We call on the Legislature and the Governor to take up these issues directly and seize the opportunities during this legislative session to implement inclusive and equitable policies that work for all of our communities.
The pandemic has created an economic and public health crisis, and there is much more to do. We must establish vital protections for Nebraska workers, and ensure that all Nebraska families have the necessary health, food, housing, child care, and economic support to confront the pandemic and its ripple effects. We look forward to working with Nebraskans all across the state, the Governor, and the Legislature to advance common-sense solutions to these issues and build a just, vibrant, and inclusive Nebraska for all.”
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