As patient care advocates, it is only natural for nurses to be advocating for patients in multiple arenas. From advocating for patients at the bedside to the bargaining table to the Capitol, nurse voices ensure that the nursing profession continues to be held to high standards of care so that patients can receive the safe, high-quality care they deserve. While nurses are at the bedside and know what patients need, highly paid hospital executives are the ones making decisions around nurse staffing and patient care conditions based on the hospital’s bottom line.
We know that patient care should always come before profits of hospital executives. And hospital executives, in protecting their bottom line, are also showing up to the Capitol to pass legislation that will benefit their corporate policies—not patient care. This is why nurses showing up to the Capitol is vital in fighting for patient-centered legislation.
MNA's Legislative Platform
MNA’s Legislative Platform provides MNA members and policy makers an overview of the issues that matter most to nurses. It is a living document, updated yearly by the elected members of the House of Delegates
How the Legislature Works
Learn about how the Minnesota State Legislature is set up and what topics it has jurisdiction over.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Understanding how a bill becomes a law can often seem mysterious and is designed to keep the public in the dark. But never fear, MNA’s lobbyists are here to help make the process more approachable.
Testifying 101
Advocating at the legislature can involve testifying at a committee hearing, sharing your experiences as a healthcare professional to help pass patient-centered priorities. Learn more about best tips and considerations when testifying.
MNA Letters of Support
Part of advocacy at the Capitol is writing and signing on to letters of support on issues that are most important to MNA members as nurses and union members. Read current and past letters of support for our legislative priorities.