WASHINGTON, DC -- Statement of SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger on the start of Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor:

Today, millions of Hispanic children and young girls of every race, religion and background will look at coverage of Judge Sotomayor's confirmation hearing in their newspaper, TV or computer screen and picture themselves in her chair. They will know that from this day forward that with hard work, dedication and never giving up on their American Dream, they too can one day serve on our nation's highest court.

"It is a dramatic reminder to the world that America is still the land of opportunity. Even if you are born to a Puerto Rican family as the daughter of a nurse and a factory worker and grow up in a public housing project in the South Bronx you can ascend to lead a distinguished legal career on the federal bench, and become Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

"There are few people with Judge Sotomayor's legal acumen and accumulated wisdom. But beyond her brilliance, her three-decade career in the law and her distinguished record, Judge Sotomayor's personal story of achievement has given her a rare insight into the lives of people who get up and go to work each day to make a better life for their families. She is an extraordinary choice for this moment and for the future challenges this country will see."

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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