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New York, NY—Citing his strong record advocating for working families and local community development, 32BJ SEIU, the largest private-sector union in New York, today announced its endorsement of Assemblyman Michael Gianaris for state senator in Western Queens. As part of its endorsement, the union committed to a voter outreach campaign in support of Gianaris’ election.
“Assemblyman Gianaris has a long history of supporting working families,” said Mike Fishman, President of 32BJ SEIU—the largest private sector union in New York. “We can also count on him to be a strong leader in the Senate who will fight for good jobs and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.”
As an Assemblyman, Gianaris has championed issues important to the working people of Western Queens and throughout New York, including advocating for greater accountability of public utilities, supporting workers’ rights and job training programs and improved access to healthcare. He is currently the prime sponsor of an assembly bill that would ensure the state’s public utilities create good jobs for New Yorkers.
“I am thrilled to have the support of 32BJ and look forward to working alongside its members as I seek election to the State Senate,” said Assemblyman Michael Gianaris. “I share 32BJ’s commitment to jobs that provide living wages and good benefits. New York is home to millions of hard working men and women, who do their jobs, take care of others and ask for nothing more than a fair wage for a hard day’s work. That’s what makes me so proud to accept their support.”
With 70,000 members in New York, 32BJ is known for its strength in mobilizing members and voters to support endorsed candidates. During the 2008 state elections, the union spent more than $350,000 in ads and direct mail in key races. In addition, hundreds of members volunteered to speak with voters about the union’s endorsed candidates.
This endorsement is part of 32BJ’s “State that Works” program – a policy agenda focused on creating good jobs and an affordable state through economic development, contracting and tax abatement programs. 32BJ will be continuing its efforts to elect candidates supportive of the State that Works in the Fall elections.
With more than 120,000 members, including 70,000 in New York, 32BJ is the largest private sector union in the state.
updated 5/10/2010
