NEW YORK NURSE: December 2008

Legislative Notes

New York State Nurses Association 2009-2010 Legislative Program

Consumer Advocacy and Health Promotion

NYSNA monitors and supports state and federal legislative proposals to:

Promote access to quality health care for all people
Protect the health of vulnerable populations
Promote enhancement of public health systems
Support the rights of all individuals
Foster pay equity and comparable worth
Protect the environment

Educational System for Nursing

NYSNA monitors and supports state and federal legislative proposals to:

Promote access to nursing education within institutions of higher learning
Support initiatives to meet the future needs for registered professional nurses
Support efforts to ensure that future RNs attain the baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Environment in which Nursing is Practiced

NYSNA monitors and supports state and federal legislative proposals to:

Promote professional practice
Protect the public through upholding the Nurse Practice Act
Protect employee rights and safety
Maintain liability insurance

Government Accountability for Healthcare Policy and Assuring Quality of Care

NYSNA monitors and supports state and federal legislative proposals to:

Provide adequate funding for health care
Support initiatives to reform the state budget
Promote an election process that is responsive to citizens

The detailed version of the NYSNA 2009-2010 Legislative Program is many pages long. If you are interested in receiving a copy, contact Governmental Affairs.

Dems take State Senate

The New York State Senate has undergone a major change.

On Nov. 4, NYSNA political endorsee Joseph Addabbo, a Democrat from the 15th Senate District in Queens, defeated Republican Sen. Serphin Maltese, 57% to 43%. Another Democratic Senate post was claimed by Long Islander Brian Foley.

Capturing these seats shifted the state’s balance of power in favor of the Democrats, who now control the State Senate for the first time in 40 years. The momentum for the change was likely assisted by the landslide election of Barack Obama.

Jan. 7 union rally to protest spending cuts

Hundreds of union members will come to the State Capitol in Albany on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, for a “March for Main Street” to urge lawmakers to resist plans to cut healthcare spending.

Gov. David Paterson’s executive budget, scheduled to be released in mid-December, is not expected to be a gift to the state’s healthcare system. Based on the proposal he made in November, he is likely to propose major reductions in healthcare funding.

As the new year begins, join your sisters and brothers as they tell legislators to put patients first. Watch for more information at www.nysna.org or contact Governmental Affairs.

Save the date: Lobby Day 2009

The next Lobby Day will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Registered nurses, nursing students, faculty and patient advocates are all welcome and encouraged to attend. Registration is free and a CE-eligible lobbying briefing will be provided.

For more information on these matters, contact Governmental Affairs at 800.724.NYRN (6976), ext. 283.