February 25, 2011

Interpreters bill boosted in Senate hearing

The Federation and its newest medical interpreter members joined other supporters to boost Senate Bill 5807 in a hearing Thursday (Feb. 24) in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. 

Magde Rojas (second from left with other WFSE/AFSCME Interpreters United members) testified for SB 5807 Feb. 24 before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. 

The bill would eliminate the multi-layered system of brokers and agents that ends up costing the state and providers time and money – before interpreters actually get to do their job, the union testified.

It also allows use of technology for electronic scheduling and the like to speed up the appointment process while protecting the ability of patients to have in-person interpreters for procedures ranging from childbirth to surgery. Client health and safety could not be compromised.

The Federation’s Dennis Eagle called SB 5807 a “government efficiency bill that will save you money.”

“Let’s work together to improve this program and save the state money,” said WFSE/AFSCME Interpreters United member Magde Rojas.

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