The American Legislative Exchange Council, ALEC, which drafts, distributes, and promotes legislation at the state level across the U.S., has released details of its draconian blueprint for America in the form of a 2014 agenda. Consumers, workers, environmentalists, school children: beware. By Jill Furillo, RN, NYSNA Executive Director
The world lost one of its great leaders with Nelson Mandela’s death. Around the globe, people have mourned the loss and celebrated the inspiration that, as President Obama put it, “one of the most influential, courageous, and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth” gave to all of humanity. His unbending resolve and unmatched political and organizing skill have taught many how to turn dreams into reality.
No one needs to tell a New York nurse that healthcare is in crisis in our state. You experience it every day. Inadequate staffing. Service cuts. Units closed. Hospitals shut down. New Yorkers in need of care they can’t get. The consequences are shocking – and dangerous. Some nurses have been forced to care for as many as 16 patients at a time. By Jill Furillo, RN, NYSNA Executive Director
For the first time in NYSNA’s history, we endorsed a candidate for New York City mayor this year, and we have already made a big difference in the city’s political landscape. Our candidate, Bill de Blasio, won tremendous support in the primary because of his vision for the city — a vision that features access to quality healthcare for every New Yorker, in every neighborhood. by Jill Furillo, RN
The Koch brothers contribute significantly to the wealthiest healthcare facilities in New York City. Yet at the same time, they have invested millions to block Medicaid, widely considered a vital program for healthcare for the poor and near poor in the U.S., with tens of millions of Americans covered. By Jill Furillo, RN, NYSNA Executive Director
When you look beyond the homeless, among them 20,000 children in New York City alone, beyond the hardship of elderly women from whom $75 in monthly food stamps – a week’s groceries – was “sequestered” away this year, and look past smoldering forests where firefighters died, their ranks depleted by layoffs from blistering budget cuts, what you see are piles of cash. By Jill Furillo, RN, NYSNA Executive Director
After voting, not once, but twice, to close Long Island College Hospital, SUNY reversed course and withdrew their closure plan. That means LICH is staying open for care!
