Over 50 members registered for a week of federal lobby visits, in conjunction with National Nurses United (NNU). This was an opportunity to partner with NNU and advocate for resources and infrastructure that would protect and expand access to healthcare. Given that we are stronger together than alone, the joint effort allowed NYSNA a bigger voice in advocating for ourselves, our patients, and our communities.
The partnership has not been without effort. Our Political and Community Organizing Department has been cultivating relationships with labor partners such as NNU and the New York State AFL-CIO. We are strengthening these relationships as a tool for advancing our members’ political and policy priorities in New York and beyond.
Key Legislative Meetings
During the legislative lobby week, NYSNA and NNU nurses met with Representatives Nydia Velazquez, Adriano Espaillat, Hakeem Jeffries, Jamaal Bowman, Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones and more. NYSNA’s executive director Pat Kane met with Sen. Schumer and Sen. Gillibrand’s offices. We focused on congressional districts with high NYSNA member density and prioritized our Senate delegation. To ensure that we were as effective as possible, nurses participated in an NNU-facilitated prep session and federal legislative conference on Monday, May 2.
Continuing a Good Thing
This was not the first time NYSNA and NNU partnered together. During the 2020 presidential election, NYSNA members worked with NNU, strategizing on canvassing and Get Out the Vote efforts. Members also participated in an NNU-organized GOTV training and campaign. Through this program, NYSNA volunteers contacted over 200,000 voters in battleground states to turn out the vote.
While the legislative lobby week is over, our work to secure our policy priorities continues. Our Political and Community Organizing Department participates in a monthly Medicare for All Legislative Working Group convened by NNU. This allows us to remain plugged into the national M4A movement which is important for our state-level single-payer work.
We know that strategic engagement and advocacy at the federal level can bring more resources and support for state-level fights, including but not limited to universal healthcare. We will be sure to keep you updated and in the loop on future advocacy opportunities. We truly are stronger together and more effective when all are engaged.
Michelle Crentsil is NYSNA’s Political Director.
