This is one of a series of posts from Appleseed’s summer law clerks discussing their experiences at Nebraska Appleseed
It is fair to say that my two years as a clerk for Nebraska Appleseed reached it’s highest point this summer when the Affordable Care Act was upheld on June 28, 2012.
I spent the first part of this summer looking into some of the “what ifs” that might occur if the law, or certain parts of the law, were struck down. I sensed a lot of anticipation in the office, specifically within the Health Care Access Program in which I was working, as we waited throughout the month of June for the decision to come down from the U.S. Supreme Court.
The morning the decision was released, I was gathered in an office with several staff members, where I was able to share the joy of this decision with a team of advocates whose work I have witnessed and whose passion I share.
I have continuously been impressed not only with the work and work ethic of Nebraska Appleseed, but also by the welcoming and positive work environment I was fortunate to be a part of. I can say without hesitation that I have never seen such a non-judgmental, accepting group of people working together. I believe this is rare. It has made an impact on me and any future work environment will have a tough act to live up to.
I know that the coming weeks, months and years leave much work to be done in terms of health care, and in terms of all of the areas Nebraska Appleseed works to serve. I am confident, however, that Nebraska Appleseed and the coalitions and partnerships they have worked to form and be a part of are up to the task.