“Governor Ricketts,

While we live in the same state as you we feel a world away. You asked us to help you, we did. You asked us to close our business, we did. You asked us to stay home, we did. You asked us to continue to stay at home, we are. So here we are, at home, waiting. You told us don’t worry unemployment will come, it hasn’t. You told us don’t worry grants are coming, they haven’t. You told us don’t worry forgivable loans are coming, they haven’t. So here we are, at home waiting. We wait alongside our coworkers, family and friends, small business owners, the self-employed and the independent contractors. A massive number of Nebraska residents who are waiting for the unemployment portal to open for us, waiting for loan approvals, waiting for stimulus checks. All of these programs, we are at the back of the line for. So here we wait. While bills come daily, savings continuously dwindling and still doing our part. It is time you do yours. It is an inconceivable expectation to close unessential business halting all income and expect us to survive. We need to pay our bills and put food on the table. Without immediate action, you are leaving us no options. How are we to survive? So now, you decide to allow us, in the cosmetology industry, nail technology industry, massage therapy, esthetics barbering and Tattoo industries, to reopen...during the expected peak of the virus! You have set expectations and rules that, not only are they not clear and concise, (you have left it to many peoples own interpretation of the rule), but they are not feasible for all of us in these industries . With the shortage of PPE where are we to get these necessary items, let alone the money to purchase. We cannot do our job and keep clients, ourselves, and our families safe. Please reconsider the DHM and allow us to remain closed and safe, during at least the peak of the virus. Trust me, we all want to get back to our clients, but not while risking our lives, and the lives of our clients and all of our families. We are not expendable. Please upon our return give us clear, concise, rules and regulations that apply to each area of our industries.
We deserve answers. “Coming soon” and “Do the right thing” and “Take it up with your employer” is no longer acceptable! You are our Governor. And we are a network of over 14,000 licensed professionals servicing all of Nebraska. We count.”