FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Laura Wareck | (978) 660-9587

Boston, MA (July 19, 2018) – The following is a statement from Tim Foley, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, in response to the release of the FY19 budget by the Massachusetts Legislative Conference Committee:

“We applaud the Massachusetts Legislature for crafting a budget that is reflective of the voices of healthcare and homecare workers. 1199SEIU workers have advocated tirelessly for investments that stabilize community and safety-net hospitals, home care, and nursing homes to ensure quality care. The increases to supplemental rates for nursing homes and Disproportionate Share Hospitals are needed given escalating healthcare costs. We also strongly support the necessary investment for workforce training opportunities to prepare workers for the industry’s jobs of the future.

The inclusion of funding for implementing criminal justice reform, opioid misuse prevention and treatment, and equity in local aid/education funding highlight the priorities of all Massachusetts residents. We are disappointed in the exclusion of the Safe Communities legislation in the final budget to provide necessary protections for immigrants and their families. We will continue to engage with our elected officials on necessary investments for a stronger Massachusetts.”

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Representing more than 56,000 healthcare workers throughout Massachusetts and over 400,000 workers across the East Coast, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all. 1199SEIU is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union.