HPAE statement on the federal budget:

“The budget deal passed by the Republicans in the House of Representatives strips away support programs from the people who need it most in order to give large tax cuts to those who need it the least. The impact, especially on delivery of healthcare, will be devastating, especially to the most vulnerable in society.

We are calling on the U.S. Senate to undo the damage done by Congress. We are also calling on New Jersey legislators to be ready to plug gaps created by these draconian budget cuts. Nearly 1 in 5 patients enrolled in FamilyCare will lose their coverage.  Overall, our state could lose $3.6 billion in funding and we can not afford to sacrifice the health of our citizens.

“In addition, no New Jersey Hospital will suffer more than University Hospital. The vast majority of UH patients rely on government funding for their healthcare, making up 80% of the hospital's net patient revenue, with over a third coming from Medicaid. With charity care now dependent on outpatient Medicaid revenue, The impact could be devastating for University Hospital: we could lose upwards of $100 million dollars in Medicaid funding." ~ HPAE President Debbie White, RN

“If our legislators fail to act now, they will be putting patients at risk of losing access to medical services in their community. Please, do the right thing, before we face a catastrophe.” ~ HPAE Local 5089 President Banita Herndon

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HPAE is the largest union of registered nurses and health care professionals in New Jersey. Since its founding by Englewood Hospital nurses in 1974, HPAE has expanded across the state and into Southeastern Pennsylvania representing more than 15,000 nurses, social workers, therapists, technicians, medical researchers, and other health care professionals in hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, blood banks, and university research facilities. HPAE is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO.