Washington, D.C. - SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger released the following statement on Iowa Senator Tom Harkin assuming the gavel of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee.

America's working families have learned to count on Senator Harkin to stand up and fight for the issues that will help to ensure the American Dream is alive and well for their children and grandchildren. As the son of a coal miner, Senator Harkin understands how Congress and organized labor can work together to pass legislation that ensures quality and affordable healthcare, a fair economy, a safe workplace and a secure retirement.

"Senator Harkin has made the concerns of working Americans a priority throughout his Senate career and SEIU's 2.1 million members look forward to working with him to finally pass healthcare reform, the Employee Free Choice Act, fix our broken immigration system and the many other critical pieces of legislation he will help lead through as the HELP Committee chair."

With 2.1 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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