Nurses Association condemns Governor Paterson’s budget extension bill

$384 million in healthcare cuts will leave New Yorkers vulnerable

Related link: Healthcare Assn. of NYS (HANYS): Impact of Executive Budget Extender: 8 June (.pdf)
Related link: HANYS: Fully Implemented Imapct: Fiscal Year 2011-2012: 8 June (.pdf)
Related link: CBS6 WRGB Video: Health Care Unions Warn Cuts Will Hurt Patients: 8 June

LATHAM, June 7, 2010 - Today the New York State Nurses Association condemned Governor Paterson’s latest budget extension bill that calls for $384 million in cuts to the state’s healthcare system.

“The Governor is employing a desperate tactic in order to force the hand of state government. Unfortunately, this game of political chicken calls for unsustainable cuts to health care that will endanger the lives of New York’s citizens,” said Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE, Nurses Association CEO.

The Governor’s proposal also reduces reimbursements to hospitals for charity care by $72 million and includes nearly $13 million in cuts to public health programs.

“No one is questioning the need to keep our government running, but the budget cannot be balanced on the backs of New York’s most vulnerable – the ill and indigent. If we don’t stand up for this population, who will?” said Gerardi.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is the state's largest professional association and largest union for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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