WSNA members speak up for a fair budget at People’s Budget Hearing

As legislators negotiated the budget behind closed doors with little visible progress, Washington United for Fair Revenue held a people’s hearing on May 4 to bring the voice of the people of Washington back to the forefront. People representing each of the 49 legislative districts, nicknamed the “49 for Fairness,” were present to talk about the need for a fair budget that funds healthcare, education and more. Among the “49 for Fairness” were WSNA members Marcie Turpin, Christina Stephens and Christina Enriquez, who spoke from their experience as nurses about the need for adequate funding for public health, nursing education loans and scholarships, and more. They testified the following.

Christina Enriquez:

“Those of us that work in public health are on the front lines, giving medical care for thousands of our medically needy populations. We need a budget with a stable revenue system that increases and properly funds communicable disease control and mental health.”

Christina Stephens:

“I support a fair budget that has a sustainable revenue system that will fully fund the Health Professions Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program now and into the future. As a first-year nurse many people consider me the future of nursing, but I am already thinking about the future now and the challenges nursing students have all over the state.”

Marcie Turpin:

“The State Legislature must fully fund the Health Profession Scholarship and Loan Repayment program to encourage Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner residencies and to encourage educators, registered nurses and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners to practice in high-need areas. As a nurse, I want all communities to have the access to enough healthcare providers in all areas of the state.”