Meet Our New Member Lobbyist:

Lakasha Hines, CNA, Main Line Nursing and Rehab Center

A healthy democracy requires active, engaged citizens. That’s why we are so proud to announce that one of our members, Lakasha Hines, a CNA at Main Line Nursing and Rehab Center in Malvern, Pennsylvania, was recently accepted into SEIU’s Member Lobbyist Program starting in early 2011.  Lakasha will join a handful of other SEIU members from various states in our nation’s capitol where they will meet and build relationships with elected members of Congress, and lobby for worker-friendly legislation.

The program is designed to help hold elected members of Congress accountable while involving SEIU members in opportunities to build relationships with lawmakers on federal issues.

When asked what she is looking forward to about being a member lobbyist, Lakasha replied, “I am looking forward to going to DC and talking to the legislators about the plight of working families and getting a better sense of how policy is made. I have seen firsthand that talking to our representatives matter. When I have spoken with legislators in Harrisburg, I have helped them understand issues that are impacting my workplace and community so they could better address these issues that affect us most.

I think see myself coming back with a more educated mindset and helping to explain policy in plain terms to my co-workers and other people in my life.  As voters, we often forget how important is it to elect the right people.  A lot of people did not vote in the last election and they will start to see the effects of their inaction.  No matter how small the election, we need to get involved.   Once people understand, they will have a new sense of responsibility and hold both themselves and their politicians accountable. We are in charge - we vote our representatives in and they work for us.  A lot of people who aren’t involved in the political process see it the other way around. I hope to help change this perception.”