The annual meeting of the NDC provided an opportunity for the 80+ nurses who attended to learn more about health care reform (the Affordable Care Act–ACA) and state issues 2 & 3 that will be decided by voters in November.

United States Senator Sherrod Brown described the political climate in Washington D C as it affected passage of the ACA.  He responded to questions from the audience and offered insights as to how the legal challenges mounted against the so-called individual mandate will fare when the US Supreme Court weighs in, most likely in 2012.

Two state issues, one a referendum (State Issue 2) and the other a proposed Constitutional amendment (State Issue 3), were reviewed and information provided about the implications approval of either issue would have for nurses.  State Issue 2, an effort to repeal SB 5 essentially asks voters to determine whether “flexibility” for employers should trump a voice for employees in the workplace.  Should SB 5 be allowed to stand, nurses in the public sector would no longer be able to bring staffing and other safety issues to the bargaining table.

State Issue 3 would add language to the Ohio Constitution that prohibits any mandate requiring an individual to maintain health insurance coverage.  The issue is a response to the ACA, and even proponents recognize a “yes” vote would have no real impact on the federal law.  However, because of the way the amendment is worded, passage would negatively affect many existing programs in Ohio such as Workers’ Compensation, COBRA, court orders relative to child support agreements, and numerous others.

Meeting attendees had an opportunity to brainstorm on ways NDC might increase its membership and be even more responsive to its mission and members’ expectations.  Finally officers were elected and include:

 Chairperson:    Carol Roe, Cleveland Heights

Vice Chair:        Karen Krause, Toledo

Secretary:         Rita Luebke, Medina

Treasurer:        Stacey Booker, Brooklyn

Chairperson Carol Roe led a discussion about ONDC's mission and outreach to other nurses.

Jan Lanier provided information about Issue 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan McGuinness is seeking a seat in the Ohio House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senator Sherrod Brown provided insights into the passage of the federal Affordable Care Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greg Schultz, State Director of the Obama Reelection Campaign, discussed HJB 194 and urged participants to sign the petitions to overturn.