John - 

I’m pleased to share that the Board of Supervisors took the first step to place the measure I drafted to address our 911 operator and nurse shortage on the November ballot. 

This measure, a charter amendment, will allow for full-time registered nurses employed by the City and County to buy back previous time worked as temporary nurses, counting these periods toward their City retirement plan.

Additionally, it will provide 911 operators with the same safety retirement benefits as other first responders.

Ultimately, it will also reduce the financial strain on taxpayers caused by both hiring shortages and excessive overtime for nurses and 911 dispatchers.

Bottom line: This measure ensures that our first responders and nurses have the benefits and support they need, so we can retain our dedicated public safety professionals, attract new talent, and significantly improve our city's care and emergency services.

The next and final vote to ensure this measure is on the ballot will take place at the Board of Supervisors meeting, tomorrow, Tuesday, July 23. I’ll make sure to update you as soon as that vote happens.

Thanks for standing with me, and more importantly, with our first responders. 

Sincerely,

Ahsha Safaí

Candidate for Mayor of San Francisco