MARCH 2019
A NEWSLETTER FOR NYSNA RNs AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS
Fighting for the Resources Nurses and Patients Need When Governor Cuomo released his proposed New York State budget, it included much-needed increases in Medicaid. But soon after, federal budget cuts to healthcare, combined with the impact of the federal tax cuts, left New York with a $2 billion hole in our budget. Not only did the federal tax cuts result in middle class families in New York seeing smaller tax returns this year; the large tax cuts for corporations and millionaires also meant much less revenue to spend on the needs of the majority of New Yorkers. Earlier this month, Governor Cuomo responded to the federal threat by amending the New York budget to remove $1 billion in Medicaid dollars. But after healthcare workers, nurses and hospitals spoke out loudly against the proposed cuts to healthcare, the Governor and state legislature decided to restore Medicaid funding and look for budget cuts elsewhere. Why should nurses advocate for more resources for public hospitals? According to Kittie McGee, RN from Harlem Hospital, “It’s about nurse practice. When our hospitals don’t have the resources, we are doing the work of clerks and social workers, on top of nursing work. We have to tell management all day long, ‘we don’t do that.’” Jovana Woodley, RN of Coler Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facility, said it’s about quality care: “If our facilities
aren’t getting the funding they need, we won’t be able to hire more nurses.”
Momentum for a Fair Contract We know when we build unity and strong coalitions we can win. In that spirit, we invited community, labor and elected leaders to local contract campaign kick-off events in several facilities. The kick-offs at Metropolitan, Bellevue, Lincoln, Jacobi, Elmhurst, Woodhull, Kings and Queens continued the momentum of our public campaign launch at the Schomburg Center on February 5. Our allies showed appreciation that H+H nurses are working for a contract that will strengthen our public system and benefit New York’s most vulnerable patients and communities. Members turned out to talk about the issues that matter most at their facilities, including retaining and hiring enough nurses and ancillary staff. Now is the time to make your voices heard by turning in your bargaining survey. The Negotiations Committee is pouring over the surveys and crafting proposals and a bargaining strategy this month. We also need more Contract Action Team members at each facility to collect surveys and spread the word on their units about what’s happening with our contract and beyond. Sign up at: http://bit.ly/hhvol