I Stand with Mississippi

by Leigh Graham · 2009-04-15 06:00:00 UTC
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From my networks I've learned about a campaign launched by the phenomenal Mississippi Center for Justice, protesting Governor Haley Barbour's decision to decline unemployment funds in the stimulus.   Called Standing with Mississippi, the campaign

encourages people to voice their support for providing every available dollar to Mississippians who have lost their employment through no fault of their own. By standing together we hope to set Mississippi on a path to economic recovery that will lift up the least among us, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all Mississippians.

The federal stimulus package offers Mississippi a $56 million opportunity to update its unemployment insurance system by making more hard-working families eligible to receive greater benefits. These federal funds will help 39,600 hard - working Mississippians weather the recession - without committing the state to any future tax increases.

I've come to know the MS Center for Justice through my Gulf Coast work, particularly around the issue of equity in recovery.  The racial and economic injustices in MS are legion, and I've met some absolutely inspiring activists from the state who work tirelessly to overturn legislative decisions and institutional bias that perpetuate a legacy of deep poverty and inequality, especially for African-Americans, especially kids.

Please sign the petition that you stand with Mississippi, and consider supporting the work of the MS Center for Justice.

(Photo from Jackson, MS by Natalie Maynor)

Leigh Graham
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