Rep. Galloway working for working Pennsylvanians

Improving the working conditions of all Pennsylvanians will remain a top priority for me as we embark on our 2009-10 legislative session.

I will again introduce legislation to stop businesses from intentionally hiring illegal aliens by requiring they verify the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States through the E-Verify Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and create penalties for those employers who knowingly or intentionally do not comply with the law (hear my comments).

I will also continue the push to ensure workers receive rest and meal breaks by reintroducing bills that would guarantee employees a 15-minute break for every 4 hours worked and a 30-minute meal break for every 7.5 hours worked (hear my comments).

Rep. Galloway votes to end mandatory overtime for nurses.

A bill I co-sponsored that would prohibit hospitals and other health-care facilities from forcing nurses and other direct patient care workers to work overtime has been signed by the governor.

Numerous studies have shown that mandatory overtime puts nurses at a greater risk of making medical errors, increasing the long-term cost of health care. Yet 16-hour days and 80-hour weeks are the norm for many Pennsylvania nurses. Our nurses provide direct patient care, responsible for monitoring vital signs and giving drugs as prescribed by physicians. Ending mandatory overtime will not only help to ensure our nurses are at the top of their game when they arrive for their shifts, but will also improve their quality of life by allowing them much needed and well-deserved time to relax with their families.

Act 102, sponsored by state Rep. Dan Surra, D-Elk/Clearfield, takes effect July 1, 2009. It prohibits hospitals and other health-care facilities from mandating overtime for nurses except in specific emergencies or when unforeseen staffing shortages could compromise patient safety. While the bill allows nurses to voluntarily work overtime, it prohibits hospitals from disciplining or firing nurses who refuse to work overtime.