Massachusetts Nurses Association Endorses Rep. Sean Garballey for the 4th Middlesex Senate District

CANTON, Mass., May 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts Nurses Association, the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses and health care professionals, announces its endorsement and strong support for Rep. Sean Garballey, D-Arlington, a candidate for the 4^thMiddlesex Senate District.

"Representative Sean Garballey is a powerful advocate for Massachusetts patients, nurses and for a fair health care system," said MNA President Donna Kelly-Williams, RN, who works as an obstetrical and neonatal nurse at Cambridge Hospital. "Moving to a single-payer health care system that allows all Massachusetts citizens to access and afford quality care is a top priority for Garballey and for MNA nurses."

Garballey is seeking the state senate seat vacated by the death of Sen. Ken Donnelly, D-Arlington. Garballey currently is a state representative for the 23rd Middlesex District covering Arlington and West Medford. A special primary election is schedule for June 27. The special general election is July 25.

"The MNA endorsed Ken Donnelly for State Senate and we believe Sean Garballey is the best person to continue Donnelly's legacy at the State House," Kelly-Williams said.

Garballey has pledged to support nurse efforts to improve patient care through the state legislature. These include safe patient limits for nurses, workplace violence prevention and safe patient handling bills. He also supports the collective bargaining rights of workers, making sure every public school has a school nurse and improvements for mental health patients.

"I proudly support the efforts of the Massachusetts Nurses Association to protect patients and ensure fair treatment of nurses and other health care professionals," Garballey said. "I know many MNA nurses, understand their concerns and support their legislative solutions. As a State Senator, I will be honored to stand with the MNA and fight for high-quality patient care."

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Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

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SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association