TRSA Secures Co-Sponsors for Important Healthcare Legislation

TRSA recently held a Legislative Conference in New York’s capital city of Albany, in which 12 members went to visit their respective legislators, both assembly members and state senators. In total, the group participated in 17 meetings and were able to secure co-sponsors to support a key bill currently being drafted in the state assembly.

The two-day meeting kicked off with an issue update from Kevin Schwalb, TRSA’s vice president of government relations, who discussed federal issues as well as activities TRSA is pursuing in other states. The group also heard from Paul Thomas, TRSA’s legislative counsel in New York, about issues impacting the industry in Albany as well as New York City. During the Legislative Reception, the group heard from State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez (D-NY 34th) and Chatodd Floyd, deputy secretary for legislative affairs and policy for the office of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).

The next day, the delegation went to the State Capitol to meet with their respective legislators to discuss the Healthcare Worker Protection and Sustainability Act (HWPSA). The HWPSA is legislation that TRSA is supporting which would require healthcare facilities to maintain a 50% operating stock of reusable healthcare textiles. During the meetings, the group received an update from the bill’s sponsor, Assembly Member Amanda Septimo (D-NY 84th). Septimo said that the drafting is going well, and the reason for the delay is the development of a fine system to enact for those facilities that do not comply with the law.

“This was a great experience being able to meet with the legislators who will impact our industry’s issues,” said Joseph Healy of ImageFIRST. “This specific issue would be a big benefit for the industry, healthcare workers and the environment.”

Gabe Birtchet, general manager, Alsco Inc., said that, “As a first-time ‘lobbyist,’ the experience was planned well to get the group ready to talk to the legislators about our legislation. This is something everyone who is a member of the industry should do.”

Questions? Contact Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org.