SENATORS AND WORKERS UNITED IN SUPPORT OF IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE

Washington, DC-- SEIU Member and New Hampshire state employee Jessica Paul today stood with Democratic Senators Dick Durbin, Frank Lautenberg, Jeff Merkley and Dennis Van Roekel, President of the National Education Association at a press conference on Capitol Hill to discuss the urgent need to pass an economic recovery package. Rising unemployment rates, a shrinking GDP and other deteriorating economic indicators underscore the urgency with which we need to strengthen our economy now and invest in our nation over the long term.

Paul was on hand to share her story and will visit with Senators throughout the day at their offices to push for support of the legislation. Paul works for Division of Parks and Recreation, helping to keep nearly 80 state parks running smoothly and serving thousands of her Granite State neighbors. Last month, Paul was informed that due to insufficient funds," she would be laid off on February 12.

"As a kid growing up in Bow, I loved spending time in New Hampshire's outdoors," said Paul. "I was able to grow and learn, making those countless memories that anyone who has spent time in our country's beautiful parks can appreciate. I have been honored to serve my neighbors and thousands of visitors every year to my states' nearly 80 parks. But, due to budget cuts, February 12 will be my last day because Congress has taken too long to deliver the help states need.

"Now, hardworking Granite State families will find it much harder to enjoy a relaxing and affordable weekend, costing them the invaluable memories I collected growing up. I am here today to demand the U.S. Senate pass this economic recovery bill immediately so no more painful cuts have to be made in communities like mine. The millions of working people in America reeling from the nation's severe economic crisis need immediate action on a large economic recovery package that invests in state and local government to preserve essential services and invests in infrastructure and human services to save and create jobs."

SEIU is helping its 2 million members and community leaders contact their members of Congress. In addition to the need to pass a large economic recovery package that invests in state and local government to preserve essential services and invests in infrastructure and human services to save and create jobs, members are continuing to talk to their elected officials about the need to pass comprehensive health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act.

With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.

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