Rep Ocasio-Cortez in solidarity with NYSNA, laments dearth of nurses in New York

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) has lamented dearth of nurses in New York State hospitals.

Ocasio-Cortez expressed her displeasure while commending the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) for reaching a tentative agreement for safe staffing ratios after three days on strike.

While speaking during a plenary session in the House Floor, Ocasio-Cortez stated, “Madam Speaker, I wish to congratulate the nurses of Mount Sinai and Montefiore Medical Center, who, after three days on strike, reached a tentative agreement for safe staffing ratios this morning.”

She added, “Our hospitals are facing extreme nursing shortages and it is affecting patient care. Montefiore alone in my district has had 760 vacancies.

“But thanks to the tentative agreement and the courage and effort of our nurses on the picket line, hospital management is now committing to an aggressive hiring plan and to immediately implement safe staffing ratios, including an increase of over 170 nursing positions and a 19.1% wage increase and additional benefits to help with retention.

“Thank you so much to the New York State Nurses Association, NYSNA, for their work. It is our privilege to stand in solidarity with you.”