In this issue, we recognize MEA members for their outstanding accomplishments: Gardea Caphart, Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Annie George, Corporate Senior Director of Nursing Excellence/Research at New York City Health + Hospital.
President Darrell Sims provides an update.
The past six months have been filled with challenges for our members. MEA has advocated
in response to each of these challenges imposed on our membership. Dire economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation, skyrocketing health care costs, and the influx of asylum seekers have caused the City Administration to impose budget cuts and proposed reductions and changes in health insurance and benefits. Our advocacy has extended from testifying at public hearings, writing letters and meeting with the Administration and public officials as well as participating in protest rallies in support of our membership. MEA continues to advocate for overdue and well-deserved pay raises and work-life improvements for managers. We vehemently oppose the involuntary enrollment of municipal retirees and their dependents into the inferior Aetna Life Insurance Company Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP).