Mass. Nurses Association Endorses Jehlen

The Massachusetts Nurses Association announced today their decision to endorse State Rep. Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville, in the race to fill the vacant state senate seat in the 2nd Middlesex district.

Citing her deep commitment to ensuring access to quality health care for all, the MNA joins dozens of other unions and progressive organizations to back Jehlen in the special election."

It is rare that we see a legislator who has been so principled in her commitment to healthcare for all," said Karen Higgins, President of MNA.

"We have always been able to trust Pat to stand up for quality care and patient safety. Throughout her long career, she has always supported efforts to expand access to care with universal healthcare as the goal," said Higgins. "Whenever nurses have organized for better care, Pat has been there for us. We are pleased to stand with her now."

"I am proud to have the support of the MNA. I share with them the belief that state government has an important role to play in providing quality healthcare to all our families," said Jehlen.

"Healthcare is one of the top issues that voters talk to me about as I go door to door around the district. But universal healthcare is not only a deeply important issue to all the families in Somerville, Medford, Winchester, and Woburn, it is good public policy too," she said.

"Expanding coverage promotes preventive healthcare which can reduce the over all cost of care," she said.

"This is the kind of work we can expect from Pat in the Senate," said Higgins. "She will be a tremendous asset to her constituents and to nurses across the state."

Rep. Jehlen said she has already led efforts to expand access to healthcare as well as reduce its cost during her 15-year tenure at as a state representative.

In the most recent budget cycle, Jehlen said she was able to add almost two million dollars for home care for senior citizens. By allowing seniors to stay in their homes rather than go to nursing homes, this program helps reduce the cost of healthcare, she said.

Jehlen has also led the fight to establish and preserve Prescription Advantage. This program, which helps seniors and disabled people afford prescription drugs, is a national model, she said.

Jehlen currently is the lead sponsor of an important bill to extend Mass. Health benefits to the elderly and disabled.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association has a membership of 23,000, including hundreds of nurses in the 2nd Middlesex district.