Thanks to 1199SEIU Member Engagement, Healthcare Workers May Receive $15 Million for Job Training - See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/thanks_to_1199seiu_member_engagement_healthcare_workers_may_receive_15_million_for_job_training#sthash.CEqRmxRh.dpuf

September 6, 2011

Thanks to the work of 1199SEIU members through the Voices of Quality Care campaign, Governor Patrick has filed legislation that would create a $15 million healthcare training fund. The Governor proposed this fund to support training initiatives for the healthcare workforce as the industry prepares for a new healthcare delivery system. 1199SEIU members have been advocating for the creation of such a fund in order to ensure that training resources are available for health care workers so that they are prepared for the jobs of the future as major system reforms are being implemented. This is a big step in moving forward one of union members’ key legislative priorities within the payment reform debate, but more work needs to be done. The focus will now turn to the state legislature to ensure this language is included in the final legislation.

In order for this legislation to become law, union members need the legislature to vote in favor of it. Here’s what to do:

1) Call your legislator today at 617-722-2000! Call your state representative and state senator today and tell them, “My name is __________, a constituent and healthcare worker. I am calling to ask for you to support the $15 million dollar Health Care Workforce Training Fund in the Governor’s supplemental budget. Please show your support by letting members of the Ways and Means Committee know that this is a vital fund for the healthcare workforce and for healthcare delivery.”

2) Fill out the Voices of Quality Care Survey! See your delegate or your administrative organizer and fill out the survey which gives you the opportunity to share the changes that you see across your hospital.

3) Sign up for the Political Action Committee (PAC)! You can make your voice heard by signing up for PAC. For just $5 dollars a month you can help ensure healthcare workers have a consistent voice on Beacon Hill when important decisions are made about our work and our industry. Right now, major changes are being made to how our institutions are being paid and we must have a voice in that process. PAC enables us to have a voice on Beacon Hill every day.

Referred to as “payment reform,” legislators are debating changes to how healthcare employers are reimbursed by the government and insurers for healthcare services. This reform will mean changes to many of healthcare jobs, some of which are already taking place. Members have been reporting those changes through the worksite Voices of Quality Care surveys. The potential creation of this $15 million fund would be a huge victory for healthcare workers in terms of job security and preparing for the transition ahead.

As part of the Voices of Quality Care campaign, union members have made phone calls to elected officials, rallied, and even produced a commercial spot, all to help raise awareness about payment reform. Click here to visit the VQC website. The VQC surveys will be used in determining the next steps in the campaign and how union members can voice their concerns over the payment reform process.

- See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/thanks_to_1199seiu_member_engagement_healthcare_workers_may_receive_15_million_for_job_training#sthash.CEqRmxRh.dpuf