Patrick, who had earlier cut the funds and vetoed the Legislature's attempt to override the closing of the clinics, announced at a press conference on January 12 that, "because of improving state revenues and the compelling needs of our veterans, we are pleased to be able to reverse the spending cut for out-patient services at the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers' Homes."
The Governor's abrupt reversal came as Veterans and Union activists were preparing for a march on the State House for the first formal legislative session of 2010.
The organizers went ahead with the march anyhow. No one knows what the administration's plans are for the future. Moreover, the Patrick Administration has already started the process of privatizing the lab facilities at the Soldiers Homes.
Meanwhile, Veterans say the quality of the services they currently receive from the union staff at the Soldiers Homes makes them feel like they are "one step above."
At a rally in Holyoke to save the veterans' medical services,one after another, Veterans took the microphone to speak about the quality of care they received from our union members. To view the Holyoke rally click here. |
Above: The organizing committee of union members at the Holyoke Soldiers Home who saved Veterans medical services. From left to right: Ray Elton, Margaret Ferve, Susan Porter, Coral Conrad, Angel Alvarez, Dave Jonhson. In the background: Cathy Minkler, JJ Potvin, Doug Fleury. Below: SEIU 509 President Michael Grunko and SEIU 888 Rep Angel Alvarez at the rally. |