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New York, NY – Citing her strong record of fighting for working families in Congress, 32BJ today endorsed Carolyn Maloney for Congress. 32BJ has worked with Congresswoman Maloney throughout her tenure on legislation that protects and supports hard-working New Yorkers. This is the union’s first endorsement in a 2010 federal race.
“Carolyn Maloney has been successful in fighting for working New Yorkers because she takes the time to understand what’s going on in their daily lives,” said Mike Fishman, 32BJ President. With more than 70,000 members in New York, 32BJ is the largest private-sector union in the city. “32BJ members are proud to be supporting a leader with the commitment and drive Carolyn has shown.”
Congresswoman Maloney has been a leader in fighting for working families by helping create good jobs, improve access to health care and standing up to special interest groups. She successfully secured $4 billion in federal funding for the Eastside-LIRR Connector and the 2nd Avenue Subway projects that will improve transportation for New Yorkers and create 38,000 new jobs.
Maloney has also asked the President to reform federal contracting to ensure tax-dollars are not helping create poverty wage jobs that keep workers dependent on additional tax-funded public assistance programs.
“Our government shouldn’t be in the business of creating jobs that keep Americans living in poverty,” Fishman said. “Carolyn fights to see that all our tax dollars are put to good use in creating good jobs and a strong economy.”
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. During the 2009 New York City elections, 32BJ members helped elect progressive candidates, like Bill deBlasio, to city-wide and City Council offices.
“In my neighborhood and throughout the district, I’m going to make sure everyone knows what Congresswoman Maloney has done for our community,” said Steve Long, a 32BJ member who lives in the district. “We need more leaders like Congresswoman Maloney who will stand up for what’s right, even when it’s tough.”
The union’s member-driven endorsement process is underway, and additional endorsement announcements are expected in the upcoming week. The union previously announced endorsements of state Senator Schneiderman for Attorney General and Assemblymen Gianaris and Espaillat for state Senate.
With more than 120,000 members in seven states and Washington, DC, including 70,000 in New York, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.
updated 6/23/2010
