Last night the President shared his priorities in the State of the Union address. He recognized the important progress that has been made in providing communities with increased support against the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these unprecedented challenges are ongoing, we celebrate much-needed improvements, including:
- Childhood poverty fell to a historic low – thanks to the expanded Child Tax Credit that went to thousands of Nebraska families.
- Families experienced increased economic security – more families were more likely to have health insurance and faced fewer evictions.
- Our national uninsured rate hit an all-time low in 2022 – the Inflation Reduction Act lowered health insurance costs for 13 million Americans insured under the Affordable Care Act.
There is still much more to be done. We cannot ignore the systemic racial inequities rooted in the history and structures of our nation. We must work together to dismantle inhumane and inequitable laws and systems that have disproportionately impacted people of color, including the over-policing of Black people. And we cannot ignore the now 36 years of inaction on positive immigration policy, causing unnecessary harm to longtime community members, local Nebraska families, and entire communities across our state and nation.
Congress must act now on these priorities.
These priorities include critical supports such as:
- An expanded federal Child Tax Credit to support families struggling as costs increase;
- Increased access to SNAP to ensure families and individuals have equitable access to food;
- Additional rental assistance, and safe, affordable housing for our neighbors;
- Expanded access to health care to keep our state healthy; and
- A process for citizenship that would create stability and full inclusion for longtime community members who are integral parts of Nebraska.
A brighter, more inclusive future is ahead. We at Nebraska Appleseed look forward to seeing progress advance to turn these priorities into a reality for our communities. Stay connected with us for opportunities to take action.