Jackie Johnson Urges Legislators to Increase Funding for Nursing Homes

Tuesday, February 2

SEIU Healthcare 775NW Member Jackie Johnson, a restorative aide from Avamere nursing home in Tacoma, couldn’t wait to get in front of legislators on Monday and share the real impact that budget cuts have on nursing home residents and workers.

Jackie testified in support of SB 6751 - which raises money for nursing homes - in front of the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Monday, Feb. 1.

Jackie asked the Senate Ways and Means committee members to imagine that they were the ones needing nursing home care. She described an all-too-common situation where people needing help with basic needs, like going to the bathroom, are either forced to either wait for long periods of time or risk injury because budget cuts mean nursing home floors are left understaffed, making it difficult to provide quality care.

Jackie’s testimony was heart-felt and moving. Thank you, Jackie, for raising your voice in support of workers and clients and for standing up for quality care!

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