NURSE LOBBY DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 3:51PM 
Nearly 1,000 nurses represented by PEF, the New York State Nurses Association, 1199SEIU Nurse Alliance and the Communication Workers of America rallied at the State Capitol May 21 to support legislation for Safe Patient Handling and Safe Nurse Staffing Ratios.
PEF President Susan Kent told a roaring crowd the time to pass the legislation is now. “We are here asking for good public policy from the state of New York. This state should be a leader of health care for the nation. Let’s make managed care a hallmark of what healthcare should be. We need the state to put the money where it needs to go. We need safe patient handling. Governor, make sure everyone is cared for,” Kent said.
The speakers included Assembly Members Eileen Gunther and Dick Gottfried, Senator Tim Kennedy, and other labor leaders.
Prior to the rally, the nurses visited with lawmakers in their offices to explain the need for the legislation. They shared heartfelt stories about the patients in health care facilities where they work, and how they take pride in providing quality care.
We are optimistic that the state Senate and Assembly will be voting on the Safe Patient Handling bill before the legislative session ends June 20.










