releases: https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-speaks-about-independence-iowa-mental-health-institute-attack-during
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-speaks-about-independence-iowa-mental-health-institute-attack-during | Finkenauer Speaks about Independence, Iowa Mental Health Institute Attack during House Floor Speech | 2019-11-22 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | IA | Abby Finkenauer | F000467 | finkenauer.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Thursday,Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) shared the story of Tina Suckow during a floor speech to the U.S. House of Representatives. Finkenauer was speaking in favor of House Resolution 1309, theWorkplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. Finkenauer cosponsored and voted for the legislation, which passed 251-158 on Friday. Tina wants her story shared so that employees like her are protected. Finkenauer said,Today, I will be casting this vote this vote for Tina Suckow, who I know is watching at home today. This bill will require places, like the State of Iowa, to stop failing their employees by requiring workplace protections and is a first step in protecting Iowans on the front lines. I'm standing with our hard-working men and women, today, who ask for a safe workplace. Suckow was badly injured during a 2018 incident where she and her coworkers were trying to subdue an agitated patient. The patient hit Suckow repeatedly causing neurological damage and injuring her knee and shoulder. Suckow is still physically unable to return to work, and the State of Iowa kicked her off the payroll resulting in the loss of her health insurance. According to arecent reportby the Associated Press, Staffers at theIndependence Mental Health Institutestruggle to manage violent outbursts due to inadequate emergency response plans, low staffing levels, poor communication and ineffective safety shields that they're not trained to use, according to an inspection conducted by the IowaOccupational Safety and Health Administration. Finkenauer harshly criticized a 2017 state law which stripped collective bargaining rights from state employees and weakened requirements for workplace safety plans. H.R. 1309 would require the U.S. Department of Labor to address workplace violence in health care and social service sectors.It would require certain employers to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for protecting health care workers, social service workers, and other personnel from workplace violence.It would also require certain employers to: investigate workplace violence incidents, risks, or hazards as soon as possible provide training and education to employees who may be exposed to workplace violence hazards and risks meet record keeping requirements prohibit acts of discrimination or retaliation against employees for reporting workplace violence incidents, threats, or concerns | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |