Kwame Patterson: 212-388-3676
312-371-2485
Lynsey Kryzwick: 212-388-3696
New York, NY – 32BJ SEIU – the largest private-sector union in the state - today announced its endorsement of Assembly member José Peralta for the open State Senate seat in Queens 13th District. The special election for the open seat is scheduled for March 16.
“Assemblyman Peralta has a strong record of advocating for working families in the House,” said Mike Fishman, President of 32BJ SEIU -- the largest private sector union in New York. “Working families can count on him to be a leader in the fight for good jobs, affordable housing and an affordable state.”
As an Assemblyman, Peralta has championed issues important to New York’s working families, including responsible economic development and improved training for security officers. Peralta has also made a commitment to the union’s State that Works, a policy agenda focused on creating good jobs and an affordable state through economic development, contracting and tax abatement programs.
“I am thrilled to have the support of 32BJ,” said Assemblyman Peralta who has represented the 39th Assembly District in Queens for eight years. “I am a proud supporter of the labor movement and I will continue to support the hard working men and women of 32BJ in the Senate. I am committed to fighting for jobs with living wages, for affordable housing for our families, for benefits and health care for our workers and for a quality education for all of our children. I thank 32BJ for their support and look forward to working with them.”
As part of its political program, 32BJ intends to mobilize thousands of members to turn out votes from other Queens members living in the Corona, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Lefrak City and Woodside neighborhoods.
With more than 120,000 members, including over 17,600 living in Queens, 32BJ is the largest private sector union in the state.
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updated 2/24/2010
