We’ve been fighting for the expansion of Medicaid for a long time. As a conservative state, Nebraska’s conservative leadership refused to implement Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Neither wise, nor responsible.

But in 2016, after a successful petition drive to get the issue on the ballot, voters across the state, both in urban centers and rural spaces, decided it was time to expand. We voted YES. We decided it was time to bring much needed health care to a population denied access for so long, for no good reason.

Of course, that’s not the end of the story. True to form, the state’s Republican leadership refused to honor the will of the voters and instead they have chosen to delay, delay, delay. What should be ready by January 1st, 2020 could be pushed out as far as October of next year while the lives of real people hang in the balance.

Could you wait for health care services for another year? After waiting for years already? If so, count yourself lucky. For many, that’s simply not a luxury they can afford.

We worked with a team of community organizers and health care advocates at Nebraska Appleseed and the Center for Rural Affairs. They brought their knowledge of the issue and experiences from their on-the-ground organizing. We brought a fresh approach and a frame for the campaign that could be sustained for the next year. Maybe longer.

For the core slogan, we focused on the will of the voters and the need for those in power to listen to their wishes. Nebraskans spoke at the ballot box, and now it’s time for elected officials to honor their votes.

The campaign was designed around a strong logotype. We used a bold, versatile type family for maximum punch and flexibility. The colors were muted, somewhat rustic. And the imagery reinforced this specific place.

Not only is the vote on our side, so is the data. As are the facts on the ground, the politics of the issue, and the stories heard from everyday people who benefit when Medicaid is expanded, wherever they live.

The issue is both nationalized and extremely local. As it turns out, politicians who try to take health care away from people do poorly out here, just as they do on the coasts.

As part of a larger debate around how we as a country are going to provide health care to everyone, how we choose to handle Medicaid is quite telling. As surprising as it was for the vote to side on expansion, there was also something expected about it. Out here on the great plains, we take care of each other. We look out for our friends and neighbors. And if we see someone is in a bad way, then we do what we can to help. In this case, we decided it’s time to get them access to health care. Finally.

To go all the way, to fully implement the will of the voters, effective leadership is required. Perhaps next time, Nebraskans will choose to put someone in office who uses his or her power to actually do the job demanded by the people.

How can our leaders delay, even one day, coverage that will strengthen the health of every Nebraskan?

Good question.