John, let me introduce myself.
My name is Odessa Kelly, and I’m running for Congress to give a voice to those who have been left behind. I was born and raised in Nashville, I began my career working with Metro Parks and Recreation, organized my community as a member of my union, SEIU, and now I serve as the executive director of Stand Up Nashville, a community advocacy organization.
This summer, catastrophic floods swept through Middle Tennessee, killing 22 people and leaving dozens missing. This was the second major flooding incident in Tennessee just this year. And what’s more, Climate Central estimates that more than a quarter million Tennesseans live at greater risk of flooding as the planet heats up.
The climate crisis is here, and we cannot wait a second longer for bold action to protect our communities. Will you join me in calling on Congress to pass bold climate action and a Green New Deal?
WE NEED A GREEN NEW DEAL
These communities need relief and support now, and investments in infrastructure to prevent this from happening again. It’s not a matter of if another disastrous flood happens, but when and if we will be prepared for it.
Climate disasters contribute to and exacerbate already existing inequalities — from housing, to jobs, to legal resources and insurance — our communities are not equally prepared, and too often we see inequitable recoveries that leave rural, low-income and communities of color behind.
Climate change is the new normal, and here in Tennessee that means more flooding. We need to make sure that all of our communities are better protected and resilient to these disasters — not just wealthy and white communities. We need to make sure that everyone has the resources they need to adapt to our changing climate, and bounce back from the disasters it causes.
We need federal policies and investments in green infrastructure to protect us all from the effects climate change, build a more sustainable world, and create good union jobs by:
1) Curbing emissions to stop the worst impacts of climate change and invest in green alternatives to power our nation.
2) Funding infrastructure and resilience projects, especially in rural, low income areas and communities of color that are often overlooked. These projects will create good union jobs in the hardest hit communities.
3) Reforming our recovery systems to make sure everyone can bounce back after a disaster regardless of their race, income, or immigration status. We need to do everything we can to reduce displacement and keep people in their homes.
In Congress, I’m going to fight like hell for policies that keep our communities safe. We must fund infrastructure and resilience projects across the country — including communities that are often overlooked in these investments — to be more resilient and prepared for the next flood. In doing that, we’ll create good, union jobs to power a more sustainable future.
Climate change is an existential crisis. We need to act right now to stop these disasters from getting more dangerous, and invest now to make sure we’re better prepared for them. Will you sign on to show your support for bold climate action right now?
WE NEED A GREEN NEW DEAL
With gratitude and love,
Odessa Kelly
PAID FOR BY ODESSA FOR CONGRESS
