Michigan Nurses: Patient advocate Pohutsky is the right choice for Livonia

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Michigan nurses endorse Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

​LIVONIA, Mich. — As nurses across Michigan face the continued spread of COVID-19, the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) has formally endorsed Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) because of her relentless focus on patient care and public health and her commitment  to heeding the advice of scientists and medical experts when making policy decisions.

That’s why the state’s largest labor organization and professional association for registered nurses (RNs) officially endorsed Pohutsky over Republican Martha Ptashnik in the race for Michigan’s 19th House District, which includes Livonia.

“Rep. Laurie Pohutsky has worked in health care and understands the importance of heeding the advice of public health and scientific experts as we continue fighting COVID-19,” said Livonia resident Karen Lenz, RN, a member of the Michigan Nurses Association. “Rep. Pohutsky supports Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis and understands the urgent need for measures to keep people safe.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to garner broad public support for her decisive action on COVID-19 and has been a leading voice on the direct link between public health and Michigan’s economy.

With the Affordable Care Act in limbo before the U.S. Supreme Court, states and state legislators will play an even more important role ensuring people with pre-existing conditions and others have the coverage they need.

In the Legislature, Rep. Laurie Pohutsky has been a strong advocate for what nurses need in these challenging times.
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“Rep. Pohutsky has been fighting to change the law to better protect patients so there are limits on the number of patients nurses are assigned, and limits on the number of hours we are forced to work,” Lenz said. “As front-line workers we need to elect representatives who will fight for improved patient care and safety and that’s especially important during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We strongly endorse Rep. Laurie Pohutsky to continue serving in the state House.”

The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is the largest, most effective union for RNs across the state. As the voice for all registered nurses in Michigan, MNA advocates for nurses and their patients at the Capitol, in the community, and at the bargaining table.