Kamala Harris 101

Ms. Kamala Harris is has emerged as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for

President of the United States of America. She has secured endorsements from

President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton,

former President Bill Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, Josh Shapiro, Gavin Newsom, Pete

Buttigieg, Andy Beshear, Gretchen Whitmer, Tammy Baldwin, Tim Kaine, Amy

Klobuchar, Sherrod Brown, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Ted Lieu, Judy Chu, Adam

Schiff, Barbara Lee, and dozens of others. Nurses should know where Ms. Harris

stands on healthcare policy issues and consider endorsing or promoting Ms. Harris on

her presidential bid.

1. Reproductive health rights are essential for our communities’ health. As vice

president, Ms. Harris has taken a vocal role in supporting reproductive rights and has

expressed support in restoring federal protections under Roe v. Wade, and historically,

Ms. Harris proposed even stronger protections during her 2019 presidential election

campaign

2. Healthcare as “Big Business” is a concern for nurses. While serving as California's

attorney general, Ms. Harris strongly opposed healthcare consolidation and prosecuted

numerous industry players for alleged fraud or antitrust violations. She joined a federal

lawsuit blocking Anthem and Cigna's merger in 2017. Ms. Harris' position aligns with the Federal Trade Commission's strict antitrust enforcement under the Biden administration.

3. Health Care coverage for everyone is important for nurses. In 2017, Ms. Harris

became one of the first people to back the "Medicare-for-all" bill. As a presidential

candidate in 2019, Ms. Harris proposed her own "Medicare for All" plan.

4. Our nursing students and nurses considering higher degrees are often hindered by

the exorbitant cost of education. Ms. Harris has advocated for student loan debt

forgiveness during her time as California attorney general and as vice president,

particularly for those working in public service sectors like healthcare. Under the Biden

administration, the Education Department has forgiven $165.5 billion in student debt for

nearly 5 million Americans. Ms. Harris has a strong record of supporting education and

students.

5. Nurses know America is facing serious issues on perinatal and maternal health. Ms.

Harris has advocated for investments that address the nation's maternal health crisis

and to reduce health inequities. In 2022, she unveiled the administration's Blueprint for

Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis.

6. Staffing ratios and patient safety is a key issue to all nurses. In April 2024, Ms. Harris

announced two final rules that set minimum staffing requirements for long-term care

facilities and at-home services and require facilities to have a registered nurse on site

24/7.

These positions highlight Harris's commitment to expanding healthcare access,

protecting reproductive rights, and addressing health inequities.

Donate to Kamala Harris for President HERE

Bibliography:

Becker’s Hospital Review

Kamala Harris' healthcare policy positions: 6 notes

Mackenzie Bean and Erica Carbajal - Monday, July 22nd, 2024

ABC News Who has endorsed Kamala Harris and who hasn't? A list of the VP's

current endorsements- Friday, July 26, 2024 9:30AM