LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky State Representative Pamela Stevenson (D-Louisville) on Sunday called on Kentuckians to step up for causes they care about in 2021.

“2021 is not a year off. 2021 is an opportunity for you to decide what’s going to happen in 2022,” Rep. Stevenson said during a press event hosted by the Louisville-based social justice organization, Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

The newly-seated representative called on all Kentuckians, no matter their party, to declare a cause they care about by Feb. 15, 2021.

“What are you going to be doing this year? This is the year to build. It’s not a year to take a break. If you’re gonna run for office, build that platform now. Get your team together now. If you’re the type that operates in the background, if you’re the type that only cares about hunger, which group are you going to join to make sure every child in the state of Kentucky goes to bed with a full stomach,” Rep. Stevenson said.

The retired U.S. Air Force colonel is asking Kentuckians to step-up because she said most bills passed so far during the 2021 General Assembly have had more to do with power versus the needs of Kentuckians.

Stevenson was referring to the flurry of bills that restrict the Kentucky governor's emergency powers. Republican lawmakers have argued that Governor Andy Beshear has gone too far with his COVID-19 orders.

“Now here’s the thing, this is great news. You know why? Because you get to say what happens next,” Rep. Stevenson said.