FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nurse endorsements recognize lawmakers working to solve the crisis of understaffing and retention, hold corporate healthcare executives accountable and put patients before profits in our hospitals
(St. Paul) – November 21, 2023 – Nurses of the Minnesota Nurses Association today announced the endorsement of two candidates in races for the Minnesota House. These candidates are recognized for their various levels of leadership and partnership with nurses to make progress on issues important to nurses and patients.
To be endorsed by nurses, candidates must demonstrate commitment to MNA priorities, including solving the crisis of nurse retention and patient care, combatting increased corporatization and consolidation in healthcare, and supporting the rights of all workers seeking a collective voice for dignity and respect in the workplace.
The house candidates endorsed for their commitment to priority issues for nurses and patients are incumbent Cedrick Frazier (43A) and Bianca Virnig, special election candidate for House District 52B. Virnig was endorsed before the primary that took place on November 16.
About the MNA Endorsed Candidates
- Cedrick Frazier (43A): Frazier is recognized by nurses as an MNA Champion for his work as an advocate for patients and healthcare equity and a strong voice for workers and nurses – fighting for safe staffing and better working conditions. During the last legislative session, he was a co-author of the Minnesota Health Plan, the Paid Family Medical Leave Act and legislation that eliminated legislature approval of state contracts. Frazier received a political award from MNA in 2021 due to his work as chief author on Frontline Worker Pay and voted in favor of all MNA legislation in the past legislative session.
- Bianca Virnig (52B): Virnig enthusiastically supports MNA’s priorities, has proven experience in government, and is committed to building relationships with key allies, stakeholders, and MNA nurses. She showed a genuine desire to fight against the corporatization of healthcare and to help nurses in their fight for safe staffing.
Nurses Care, Nurses Vote
MNA endorsements follow screening sessions where nurses pressed the candidates for their commitment to key issues for nurses and patients. Following screening sessions with the candidates, recommendations for endorsement were approved by the MNA Political Committee and Board of Directors, both comprised of elected nurse members.
MNA nurses will encourage fellow nurses and the public to elect endorsed candidates in 2024 through phone- and text-banking, door-knocking, digital advertisements and more.
Additional information on the MNA endorsement process and on endorsed candidates can be found at nursescarenursesvote.com.