Sunrise Responds to KY Climate Disaster: Kentucky Needs Build Back Better Now

Washington, DC -- Today, following the devastating climate disaster in Kentucky, Sunrise Movement coalesced behind its Kentucky and other affected hubs, and demanded the government take action to the scale of the climate crisis.

“People’s homes have been demolished, 40,000 people are without power, and there are so many unanswered questions that the government should have solutions for,” said Rachael Frantasia, 22, Hub Coordinator of Sunrise Bowling Green. “The greed from elites, politicians, and the wealthy strikes the South to the core – we are again left with no government support, pulling each other out of the rubble to survive. We demand the government’s assistance or they will no longer mean anything to us – we aren’t asking, we demand change. Kentucky needs Build Back Better now.”

“This climate disaster is about our electeds failing us, choosing to water down and delay climate bills instead of investing in infrastructure that will keep people safe. And this suffering is at the expense of working families, who have to make the impossible decision of working to feed their families or fleeing to save their lives,” said Varshini Prakash, Executive Director of Sunrise Movement. “Our politicians must fight for us. Kentucky needs direct cash payments and FEMA assistance quickly and to anyone who needs it. BBB must pass. It is the bare minimum.”

In response to tornadoes ravaging communities in Kentucky, Sunrise is working with local hubs to promote mutual aid in the areas impacted. You can find various mutual aid organizations to donate here. 

The Sunrise Movement is a youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. We unite to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and wellbeing of all people.