MASSACHUSETTS NURSE NEWSLETTER :: September 2008

MNA defeats potential health insurance increase for Unit 7 members

The MNA, working with the Massachusetts State Employee Labor Coalition, successfully fought Governor Patrick’s proposal to increase the share that state employees pay for their health insurance coverage.

This coalition represents more than 250,000 state workers and their families. The coalition scheduled in-district meetings with key members of the House of Representatives and a diverse delegation of their constituents opposed to the governor’s proposal. MNA staff took responsibility for scheduling meetings with the House majority whip, Rep.Lida Harkins (D-Needham), and with Rep. Vincent Pedone (D-Worcester), chairman of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.

At all of these meetings, MNA Unit 7 members were there in force, along with members from a diverse group of other state workers—inclucing engineers, social workers and educators. At these meetings, legislators heard directly from their constituents regarding the governor’s proposal and its impact on their families. Members who attended these meetings are to be commended—which is, without doubt, the MNA’s most effective form of lobbying. Thanks to all the members who helped defeat this proposal.