Legislative Session Begins
On Tuesday, the 2013 Session of the Minnesota Legislature began. Both the House and Senate have introduced their first key pieces of legislation:
- The House and Senate each introduced a bill to establish a health insurance exchange, a key part of the Affordable Care Act that will provide an online marketplace for Minnesotans to compare different health insurance policies. This is an opportunity to improve access to health care and lower costs for uninsured and underinsured Minnesotans. The bill was crafted by a bipartisan group including chief House author Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights), Representative Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) and Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston). Representative Erin Murphy, RN (DFL-St. Paul) has introduced another exchange bill. We will be watching closely as the differences between the bills are worked out. For more information click here.
- MNA member Senator Chris Eaton, RN, introduced SF3, which would increase the minimum wage and in the future index it to inflation. Minnesota’s minimum wage currently lags far behind the national minimum. Thirty-nine states have a higher minimum wage than Minnesota. This bill would help lift workers and families out of poverty and would put more money into local economies. For more information: http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/186316762.html
- Taxes: legislators introduced a number of bills to make the tax system more fair and strengthen the middle class. Minnesota can’t afford to continue to address our structural budget deficit with gimmicks and shifts. Changes to our tax system have to be part of the solution.
Coming Soon: Safe Staffing Legislation
MNA’s number one priority this session is safe nurse staffing levels. We will continue to educate legislators about this crucial public safety issue because studies show that patient outcomes are better when there are enough registered nurses at the bedside.
MNA will pursue any and all legislation that gets us to our ultimate goal of a maximum patient assignment that is adjustable based on patient acuity and nursing intensity, and includes a consequence for employers who fail to meet that standard.
Day on the Hill, February 4-5, 2013
Last fall nurses helped elect the most nurse-friendly legislature in a generation. Now the real work begins. This is a unique chance to advance policies that will help us improve patient safety, increase access to high-quality health care, and protect nursing practice from the threat of profit-driven health care.
MNA makes it easy for you to make your voice heard. MNA staff will make appointments for you with your legislators. You will get the tools you need to be an effective citizen lobbyist and the information you need to advocate for pro-nurse legislation. You will meet with your legislator with a team and a leader who knows the way around the Capitol.
February 4: Education Session and Dinner, 5:30 – 9:00 pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel, St. Paul
February 5: Capitol visits and action begin at 8:00 am
Sign up by logging in to the Member Portal at www.mnnurses.org. If you have any questions, please speak to your facility’s MNA chair or contact Eileen Gavin at eileen.gavin@mnnurses.org or 651-414-2871.