UNAC/UCHP protects our members’ legislative interests in Sacramento by helping elect candidates who demonstrate a commitment to work with nurses and health care professionals to improve our health care system and the delivery of patient care. Fortunately, during this past June’s primary election, UNAC/UHCP won big with 12 out of 13 endorsed and supported candidates winning races for State Senate, Assembly and Statewide office.
As an early supporter and endorser, our wins came in the 43rd Assembly District (Mike Gatto, Pre-Special Election Primary Endorsement), the 47th Assembly District (Holly Mitchell) and the 53rd Assembly District (Betsy Butler). All of these candidates worked hard to learn about the issues our members care about at the bedside and eventually earned our support. UNAC/UHCP also congratulates Mike Gatto as the newest member of the state Assembly. We look forward to helping secure their victories in November.
Other victories include Richard Pan (AD 5), Roger Hernandez (AD 57), Ricardo Lara (AD 50), Toni Atkins (AD 76), Ben Hueso (AD 79), Juan Vargus (AD80) Kevin De Leon (SD 22), Ed Hernandez (SD 24), and Dave Jones for Insurance Commissioner.
UNAC/UHCP uses the following criteria to determine the candidates we will support: their positions on issues that impact nurses and health care professionals; their participation in our endorsement process; and final approval by our bi-partisan Political Committee, Board of Directors, and Executive Council.
At 2:45AM Friday, May 11, UNAC/UHCP and the Coalition of Unions reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser covering 95,000 Kaiser employees across the country. Details to come.
Beverly RNs voted by 96% to approve a first contract on May 2, 2012 after a year long battle to secure wage increases, grievance and arbitration, and a voice in patient care.
“SB 1246 will help Registered Nurses provide safe patient care without worrying about hospitals cutting corners and jeopardizing the health of a patient,” said Barbara Blake, RN, State Secretary/Treasurer of UNAC/UHCP.
