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New York, NY –32BJ SEIU, the largest private-sector union in New York, today announced assembly endorsements of Aravella Simotas in western Queens and Assemblymember Jonathan Bing for re-election in the Upper East Side. As part of its endorsement, the union committed to a voter outreach campaign in support of their elections.
“As a community leader, Aravella Simotas has fought tirelessly for working families,” said Mike Fishman, 32BJ President. With more than 70,000 members in New York, 32BJ is the largest private sector union in the state. “32BJ is proud to support strong candidates like Simotas who will make sure the voices of working people are heard in Albany.”
As a Community Board Member, Simotas has championed issues important to the working people of western Queens and throughout New York. Assemblymember Bing has been a leader in advocating for working families in the State Assembly.
“We are facing serious challenges in New York right now, and we need elected officials who are committed to fighting for working families,” Fishman said. “Jonathan Bing has always been an advocate for 32BJ members and all middle-class New Yorkers, and we are proud to stand with him in his re-election to the Assembly.”
The union’s member-driven endorsement process is currently underway, and additional endorsement announcements are expected in the upcoming week. The union previously announced endorsements of Senator Schneiderman for Attorney General and Assemblyman Gianaris for State Senate.
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 this year’s elections.
With more than 120,000 members, including 70,000 in New York, 32BJ is the largest private sector union in the state.
updated 6/17/2010
