I have had the pleasure of knowing Sen. Susan Collins since the 1990s and found her to be a consistent true advocate for Maine citizens, especially when it comes to their safety and quality of health care. She understands the nursing shortage will have a major effect on the lives of Maine citizens. The increasing aging nursing workforce, which will be retiring in a few years, will create huge challenges for everyone. Sen. Collins knows nurses play a key role in the design of high-performing health care systems to include bioterrorism preparedness. She realizes RNs are an essential source of care and will have an even larger role in meeting the challenges confronting Maine and the nation.

Through the years Senator Collins has worked tirelessly with Democrats and Republicans to introduce and support legislation to address the nursing shortages and health care services, such as home health care programs. For example, Sen. Collins and Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) have emphasized that nursing must be a high priority for any legislative initiatives and have fought for more funding to support Title VIII nursing education and workforce development programs. Programs that benefit Maine citizens for health care, education and businesses have been at the heart of her initiatives.

It is important to vote for Sen. Collins because she has and will continue to be a true advocate for nursing and a faithful representative for Maine citizens.

Ann Sossong

Old Town