Glendale News-Press: U.S. Rep. Rallies With Health Care Workers
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman joined nurses, health care professionals and labor leaders Sunday, Dec. 8, at Glendale Memorial Hospital to oppose a Trump administration policy they say will worsen California’s nursing shortage and increase health care costs.
The rule, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, removes the “professional” designation from graduate health care programs including nursing, physical therapy and mental health care, reducing access to federal student loans. Critics say the change will make it more difficult for prospective health care providers to afford their training.
“When you make it harder for people to become nurses, you make it harder and more expensive for families to get care,” said Friedman, who represents the 30th Congressional District. “This policy doesn’t just hurt students — it hurts every Angeleno who one day may need to rely on our healthcare system. Every empty hospital bed, every closed clinic, every delayed diagnosis, that’s the cost of this Trump policy.”
California faces a projected shortage of 61,000 nurses by 2033, according to state workforce data. Nearly 60% of counties already face nursing shortages.
California faces a projected shortage of 61,000 nurses by 2033, according to state workforce data. Nearly 60% of counties already face nursing shortages.
A recent survey found 59% of nurses say they are less likely to pursue graduate degrees because of the new financial restrictions.
Friedman has joined colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Education to reverse the rule. She said she will work on federal legislation to redefine “professional degrees” to include nursing, therapy and other frontline health care programs.
The congresswoman plans to post the Department of Education’s public comment link on her website when it becomes available.
Joining Friedman were Glendale Memorial Hospital President and CEO Betsy Hart, California Nurses Association President Sandy Reding, SEIU 121RN Secretary Treasurer Guillermo Mendoza-Lujan, UNAC/ UHCP Executive Vice President Peter Sidhu, Society of Pediatric Nurses President Dr. Jennifer Baird, American Occupational Therapy Association President Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, Occupational Therapy Association of California President Dr. Samia Rafeedie and California Physical Therapy Association President Dr. Rick Katz.