PRESS

STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2016

Contact Person: Lucia Pedroza Senior Director of Organizing

402.933.6095 / lucia@heartlandworkerscenter.org

Bill that would allow DACA recipients to obtain professional and

commercial licenses is good for all of Nebraska
HWC encourages Senators to override the veto
OMAHA The Heartland Workers Center (HWC) is greatly disappointed with Governor Pete
Ricketts decision this afternoon to veto LB 947.

LB 947 would allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to obtain professional and
commercial licenses in the state. These youth have legal presence to be in the U.S. and
Nebraska. LB 947 ensures that they can pursue careers and help grow Nebraska by allowing
them to serve and work in their communities using their talents and education.

Because of LB 947, I can continue to pursue my career as an pharmacy technician, said
Claribel Diaz, a Nebraska DACA recipient and Young Nebraskans in Action (YNA) member.
Just like me, this bill will help others to pursue their dreams and careers within the state that
they have called home for so many years.

Governor Ricketts decision to veto LB 947 is disheartening, knowing that this bill would
continue to help grow Nebraskas economy by countering our workforce shortage stated
Sergio Sosa, Executive Director of the HWC. We have already invested in their [DACA
recipients] K-12 education; now we must make good on that investment by allowing them to
put that education and training into practice.

The HWC strongly urges 33 State Senators who voted for the bill to remain strong and
encourages the five senators who did not vote on Wednesday, April 13, to override the
governors veto on Wednesday, knowing that this bill is good for Nebraskas future.

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