Published: August 13, 2008

D.C. Council member Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large), who worked last year as a security guard to understand the plight of the profession, became the latest council incumbent to get the endorsement of the State Council of the Service Employees International Union.

The labor group issued a media release, pointing to Brown's support of the Enhanced Professional Security Amendment Act, which coincided with a ceremony at its District headquarters at noon today.

The legislation, which Brown co-introduced, raised the wages and benefits for security officers working in private commercial office buildings this year.

"Council member Brown's bill provides significant wage gains for the men and women who protect District buildings," said Jaime Contreras, State Council President and Local 32BJ Capital Area Director, in the release. "Raising standards in the security industry also translates into safer tenants and a safer city."