NYSNA Update: July 11, 2025
NYSNA Condemns Passage of Federal Reconciliation Bill
Right before the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the House of Representatives rammed through a disastrous federal reconciliation bill — the so-called “One Big, Beautiful Bill” — and sent it to the president’s desk. To add insult to injury, the president signed this bill into law while our nation celebrated Independence Day. But there is nothing to celebrate about this law. Early estimates assess that this law will cause 16 million Americans to become uninsured and more than 1 million Americans to lose their jobs. Hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities are projected to lose billions in federal funding, while millionaires and billionaires are getting another tax break. Read the fact sheet NYSNA prepared to learn how this law will impact New Yorkers.
NYSNA members fought hard to stop this bill by attending rallies and press conferences and calling and emailing our members of Congress. Sadly, some members of Congress chose to side with their billionaire donors instead of their constituents. Come election time, nurses will remember and are committed to holding every member of Congress who voted for this bill accountable for the harm it will bring to our patients and our profession. Read our full statement here.
Oneida Nurses Meet with Legislators, Launch New Radio Ads
This week, NYSNA nurses at Oneida Health continued to turn up the heat on management by meeting with elected officials to discuss the critical need for a fair contract for nurses and patients. On Thursday, July 10, nurses met with New York State Senator Joe Griffo and New York State Assemblymember Brian Miller for a campaign update and to share their experiences of working at the hospital without sufficient staff. Nurses reminded elected officials that a new contract with a real plan to recruit and retain nurses will benefit patients in their districts, considering Oneida Health is the only hospital in the region.
New radio ads are also running this week on WIBX-AM in support of NYSNA nurses at Oneida Health! For months, nurses have been fighting to secure a new contract and ensure that hospital executives prioritize patient care over hospital profits. Nurses are not backing down and are flooding the airwaves to keep up the pressure. Show them they’re not alone and that NYSNA nurses always have one another’s backs. Send a letter to Oneida Health CEO Felissa Koernig to demand that she negotiate the fair contract that Oneida nurses and patients deserve!
SPAN Presents CVPH With Recovery-Ready Workplace Award
The Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) recently launched the Campaign for Compassion. This campaign honors organizations and individuals making significant strides in creating recovery-friendly work environments. Among the many inspiring participants, SPAN was excited to honor The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) with the Recovery-Friendly Workplace Award on June 13.
SPAN highlighted how CVPH has taken proactive steps to foster a culture of understanding, support and resources for all employees facing any issues with substance use disorder. CVPH launched initiatives such as fair chance employment, reasonable return to work accommodations, and more. CVPH also reviewed its substance use policies, demonstrating how organizations can positively influence this landscape by promoting recovery, reducing stigma and prioritizing mental health.
If your facility is interested in learning how to lead with compassion and become a recovery-friendly workplace, contact SPAN at SPAN Helpline: 800-457-7261 or visit www.statewidepeerassistance.org.