A special thank you for a great ride and a great legislative future for MNA
By Mary Manning

For the past seven years Gloria Craven has been the director of the Department of Legislation and the lead lobbyist for the MNA. Gloria is a registered nurse who knew the issues facing nurses and patients and was both passionate and skillful in assisting MNA and its members to use the political arena to make changes for the improvement of nursing and health care in Massachusetts. Her accomplishments have been many at the MNA. During this past legislative session, she was an immovable force at the State House on critical issues. By the end of the session MNA secured the passage of two major pieces of legislation that will have long term impact in this state — whistleblower and safe needle devices. 

She has been the most successful MNA lobbyist in recent history based on the number of bills passed by MNA during her tenure. Her lasting contribution however, was her transfusion of members with some of her passion for politics as well as educating them on their role in the political process. As a result, more MNA members have given testimony at hearings on Beacon Hill. Members have joined MNA's Rapid Response Network and have been active in contacting their individual legislative representatives. She has taught us that politics is not a spectator sport and that nurses need to be active on legislative and regulatory issues that can have sweeping implications in many different health care settings throughout the state.

Gloria left the MNA last month to pursue her professional dream. Also resigning from MNA is Stacey Ober, MNA lobbyist who will be joining Gloria in their new venture. Stacey has been at MNA for two years and has made her mark on many pieces of legislation and regulations including MNA's analysis and recommendations on the BORN proposed regulations. 

As they leave, MNA is well positioned for its future. The association has an established plan and platform for legislative action. MNA has set its legislative agenda for the 2001 and 2002 legislative session that begins in January. The elected members of the Congress on Health Policy and Legislation and the Blue Ribbon Commission members worked closely with Gloria and Stacey to design and shape that agenda that is both aggressive and timely. That agenda recently approved by the MNA Board of Directors is featured in this issue of the MassNurse on Page 5.

Staff and members alike will miss Gloria and Stacey. In closing, I want to extend my personal gratitude and respect for a job very well done. You put us on the right road to the State House - and it has been quite a ride.