December 7, 2007 |
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HB 4333 TESTIMONY IMPACTS LEGISLATORS
MARK DECEMBER 10 ON YOUR CALENDAR!
PICK UP THE PHONE TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH PARITY LEGISLATION
REGISTER FOR THE MARCH!
MNSA EXTENDS CONVENTION DEADLINE
OPPOSE FEDERAL SPENDING CUTS
HOW TO SAVE MONEY AND SUPPORT NURSING AT THE SAME TIME
If you are having difficulty reading this version of NurseLine or accessing the links, go to www.minurses.org.
HB 4333 TESTIMONY IMPACTS LEGISLATORS
Last week, NurseLine reported that nurses from the Detroit Medical Center were among those who provided testimony recently to members of the House Labor Committee in support of HB 4443. Strong, often emotional testimony was presented to the representatives, who were visibly moved by the nurses' experiences. You can learn more about HB 4443, read some of the testimony, and find out the next step for the bill here. To read the entire bill, click here and type in "4443" in the bill number box.
MARK DECEMBER 10 ON YOUR CALENDAR!
On Monday, December 10, a rally in support of the DMC RNs and in celebration of International Human Rights Day will be held in front of Harper Hutzel Hospital at 5:00 pm. You are invited to attend! All the details are on the attached flyer. To RSVP, please send your name to Carol Feuss. Bundle up and join us on Monday, December 10 for an exciting time of solidarity. Be sure to read the Media Advisory to find out the latest news!
PICK UP THE PHONE TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH PARITY LEGISLATION
This Friday, December 7, the American Nurses Association (ANA) is joining coalition partners in a nation-wide day of action to help advance crucial Mental Health Parity legislation. Mental Health Parity bills currently under consideration in the House and Senate (HR 1424/SB 558) would end longstanding insurance discrimination and remove barriers to care for those facing mental illness. Please take part by calling your elected officials toll-free in support of Mental Health Parity.
1. Call the toll-free number 1-866-PARITY4
(1-866-727-4894)
2. Ask to be connected to your member of Congress (find your Congress member here).
3. Use or personalize this sample message:
"I am calling to ask the senator/representative to not let another year go by without passing mental health and addiction parity legislation. Please work with the Leadership to pass parity now."
REGISTER FOR THE MARCH!
Wednesday, March 12 is the date for the 2008 Michigan Nurses MARCH! This energetic day of political activism for nurses at the Capitol begins at the Lansing Center in Lansing with all the latest news on current legislation and more. The day culminates with a march to the Capitol and visits to legislators. The 2007 Michigan Nurses MARCH! was a great day and the 2008 MARCH! promises to be even better. Register today!
MNSA EXTENDS CONVENTION REGISTRATION DEADLINE
The early registration deadline for the MNSA Convention, February 6-8, 2008 at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth has been extended to Saturday, December 15. Registration materials are available at the MNSA website by clicking here. Take a minute out from studying for finals and register before the deadline!
OPPOSE FEDERAL SPENDING CUTS
The American Nurses Association (ANA) calls on nurses to contact their Congressional leaders and speak out in opposition to proposed cuts to vital nursing programs. In an attempt to overcome a veto last month by President Bush, Congressional leaders are developing a new health funding plan for next year which includes $11 billion in spending cuts. Please make your voice heard now to ensure that nursing workforce development funding is not included in these cuts. For more information and a draft letter to Congress, click here.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY AND SUPPORT NURSING AT THE SAME TIME
Consider giving a financial gift to the Michigan Nurses Foundation before the end of 2007! Because MNF is a 501 (c) 3 organization, your gift is tax deductible and helps lower that tax bill. The Foundation advances the nursing profession by awarding educational scholarships, providing financial assistance for recovering nurses, and funding nursing research. To help support these causes, fill out the donation form and return to: Michigan Nurses Foundation, 2310 Jolly Oak Road, Okemos, MI 48864.
Be sure to check out the MNA Events Calendar for all upcoming events and activities!