Strongly Worded Letters

Open Letter in Response to Gov. Pillen's Newly Announced ICE Facility We the undersigned students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University of Nebraska oppose attempts by the Department of Homeland Security and Governor Pillen to co-opt our University’s bra...

❗Contact the University of Nebraska system, and say that Cornhusker should not be synonymous with hate. If you're an alumni or otherwise part of the UN community, add your name to our sign-on letter.

🔗 docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Call (or write or email) Gov. Pillen’s office and share your thoughts with him.

🔗 governor.nebraska.gov/contact-gove...

A screenshot of the NDCS Work Ethic Camp viewed on Google Earth in McCook, Nebraska

Governor Pillen has volunteered McCook, Nebraska to host the "Cornhusker Clink," a callously named ICE detention facility.

The plans, as of August 19, include utilizing an existing prison work camp in the area.

Isa fan club

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I’m tapping out. There are a few people left, but my thumbs are tired.

Maureen addresses the increase in police funding, and says that funding housing programs and other proactive policies is a better idea. She also asks that funds be allocated to pedestrians and bike infrastructure, saying that we all deserve transit options no matter our mode.

Maureen reiterates the need for funding of the right to counsel program, explaining that it could have a stabilizing effect for the housing crisis in Omaha.

Next up is Maureen, an attendee of our workshops.

He says people will continue to be left behind unless we find a social safety net.

Now up is Jonathan, an organizer with our coalition. He asks that the human rights department be funded, citing recent ICE raids in South Omaha. He also says residents of South O have few legal protections from discrimination and surveillance.

Clarice speaks about the right to legal counsel for low-income tenants. Cities and states save far more than they spend when funding the right to counsel for tenants facing eviction, she says. She asks for the program to be funded so all Omaha residents have a safe place to call home.

Now speaking is Clarice, the Senior Campaign Organizer for Omaha’s Redress Movement and member of our coalition. She cites evictions being initiated over small dollar amounts owed, often in units not up to code by landlords.

Now up is Stephen, an attendee of our workshop and friend of SWL. Stephen says he intended to speak on the police budget, but many members have always covered some of what he wants to say. He says that with a new mayor, we have the chance to change how we allocate funding for police.

She restates the need for community relationships based on trust.

Next up is Lynn, an attendee of our workshops. She asks for funding to be allocated to support our homeless outreach to address systemic issues and avoid criminalization of homelessness.

Marissa also asks for additional funding for basic services like mental health, homelessness, etc.

Next up is our friend Marissa from Youth Elect, a member of the People’s Budget Coalition. She asks for additional funding for youth advisory boards and outreach, citing lack of continued funding for shiny new initiatives with little follow through.

Sorry, got distracted in the organizer group chat.

Now up is Cheryl Weston, questioning the increase in funding for Omaha Police Department.

Jaden cites the CAHOOTS program and STAR programs in Eugene and Denver respectively as models Omaha could follow to mitigate negative community interactions with police and prioritize community safety.

Now speaking is Jaden, a community organizer here in Omaha and friend of SWL. He cites the lack of correlation between increased police spending and crime reduction.

Up next is Christine, who asks that the city allocate more money to address food insecurity. She cites that many Omaha residents have been made ineligible for public nutrition benefits by changes at the federal level.

Next up is Mary, a friend of SWL who attended our workshops. She asks that the council commit to community solutions by allocating parts of the police budget to a community violence prevention model that weaves together local partnerships to
build safety and trust between citizens and the city.

They ask for funds be allocated to public engagement campaigns like town halls, outreach, city web pages, newsletters, etc.

Gab gives examples of what other cities do to engage their citizens on budget processes, pointing out that there is close to zero outreach from our city.

kermit the frog is wrapped in a white towel with pink hearts surrounding him ALT: kermit the frog is wrapped in a white towel with pink hearts surrounding him

Up next is GAB! (our co-founder)

Daniel asks what Omaha Police Department has done to earn such a large increase in funding. He says OPD ought to put together a presentation to prove they deserve the increases.

Next up is Daniel, who says the timeline between the budget release and the hearing date is unreasonable for citizens who want to engage.