Dear Editor,
The
Governor’s suggestion to impose a hiring freeze does a great disservice to both
the patients and employees at Riverview. For years, Riverview has been plagued
with challenges - most of which stem from staffing issues such as high
turnover. These chronic staffing shortages have resulted in employee injuries,
out-of-control mandated overtime, terrible staff morale and reduced patient
treatment.
The
legislature decided - with broad bipartisan support - that one reasonable step
toward fixing staff shortages was to address the low wages paid to direct care
workers. It’s common sense that increasing wages will lead to better
recruitment and retention - especially, when many of these workers can make
more money at local retail shops or other area hospitals.
There
is no reasonable rationale for the governor to thwart these efforts passed by
the legislature. His criticism of the funding source is disingenuous because
it’s the same way he funded increased pay for law enforcement in his own bill.
Now, he is placing these raises in jeopardy and creating unneeded uncertainty
during a precarious time for hospital staff and patients. Furthermore, imposing
a hiring freeze while we’re dealing with a staff shortage is logic worthy of
Alice in Wonderland.
Senator
Roger Katz serves the people of Senate District 15 in the Maine State
Legislature
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