Statement of New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on Passage of Safe Staffing Ratio Bills

Albany, NY – “Our healthcare system was overwhelmed during the height of the COVID pandemic, shining a glaring light on the desperate need for safe staffing levels in our hospitals and nursing homes. It was nurses and direct care workers who rose to the challenge treating patients and saving lives under unimaginable circumstances. That is why the two bills that passed today are so critically important.

“Congratulations to all our affiliates with members in healthcare for their tireless fight for patient safety. And thank you to the Democratic Majorities in both houses as well as the bill sponsors, Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Aileen Gunther.

“We will continue to support our brothers and sisters working in the healthcare industry to get these bills signed into law.”