Meet Margalie Williams. She’s a proud mom, grandmother and member of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. She he has worked in the nursing home industry 39 years. Currently, she is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at nursing home in Miami.  Williams is also a Member Political Organizer (MPO) so she now dedicates much of her time to recruiting and encouraging other members to volunteer to help get out the vote. For Williams, this is more than a temporary assignment, it’s a mission that’s near and dear to her heart.

“There’s so much at stake in this election,” said Williams. “Our union rights are under attack and so is our healthcare.  I won’t rest until elected officials take action to protect and expand healthcare because I know first-hand that quality affordable medical care can be a lifesaver.”

Williams is a cancer survivor. Battling breast cancer taught her several lessons.  First, health insurance is only useful if you can afford it. The insurance offered by Williams’ employer was too expensive, so she didn’t sign up for it. Fortunately, she was able to get Medicaid which covered the costs of nearly all her treatments.  

Today, Williams is in good health. She says fighting cancer taught her another important lesson. “After sitting in a hospital bed wondering if I would survive, I gained a better understanding of the anxiety and fears many ill nursing home residents face. As a result, I am a more compassionate caregiver.”

Williams hopes her story will be a wake-up call to her colleagues, members and other hardworking Floridians who are uninsured or can’t afford health insurance.  
With the federal healthcare law, known as the Affordable Care Act, under constant attack by the current administration, Williams fears people with preexisting conditions like cancer and diabetes will suffer unless voters make their voices heard.

“We need to make healthcare a priority in this election and stand up against those who try to repeal the Affordable Care Act or eliminate provisions in the law that protect people with pre-existing conditions,” said Williams. “Let’s unite and vote for the freedom to access quality affordable healthcare so we can stay healthy, earn good wages and have the resources we need to take care of our family.”

Join Williams and your other union brothers and sisters who are taking action to protect and expand healthcare. Go to 1199seiu.org/floridaelections to sign up to volunteer and help get out the vote.