***For Immediate Release***
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Contact: Magdalena Cazarez
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
O: (402) 438-8853 ext 119
C: (402) 504-0074
mcazarez@neappleseed.org
Nebraska Appleseed Response to the Governor’s State of the State
LINCOLN, NE – On Thursday, January 13, Nebraska Appleseed’s Executive Director, Becky Gould, issued the following statement in response to Governor Ricketts’ State of the State Address delivered this morning:
The Governor shared his reflections on the state of the state and priorities for the 2022 legislative session. The Governor noted the hard work and selflessness that Nebraskans have shown in response to the challenges of the global pandemic and natural disasters we have all experienced. We are at an unprecedented moment with an opportunity to put over one billion American Rescue Plan Act dollars to work in our communities to solve pressing problems and support Nebraskans hit hardest by the pandemic.
As the Governor stated, Nebraskans are working hard to support their families and contribute to our communities. However, over the last two years, Nebraska workers, particularly those deemed essential workers on the front lines of providing services in our communities, have consistently lacked the support needed to get ahead. These Nebraskans are disproportionately women and people of color, and are the heart of our economy and workforce. Many face unsafe working conditions, difficulty finding and maintaining affordable, safe housing and child care, limited or no access to paid leave to care for themselves and their families, and low wages that fail to meet basic needs.
One of the best ways to grow Nebraska is by using this moment to focus on investments that address these challenges head-on. We call on the Governor and the Legislature to invest in fair and affordable housing, food and economic assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), paid leave and safe, good-paying jobs, and essential protections for Nebraskans. This is what Nebraskans across our state need to thrive and live The Good Life.”
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