Latest Vote on Jobs Bill Shows Just How Out of Touch Republicans are to the Crisis Facing Families

Washington, DC - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Mary Kay Henry released the following statement after the Senate's 56-40 vote last night that prevents the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act from receiving a fair up-or-down vote:

Tonight, another father will put his child to bed consumed with worry about the drawer full of unpaid bills. Tonight, a nurse will start her second shift of the day because she knows she has to work more to keep her house out of foreclosure. Tonight, a laid-off police officer who has languished for a new job even if it pays half as much will face a brutal reality, next month there will be no more income. It is nighttime in America and Republicans want to keep us there.

"America's workers are in crisis. America's states are in crisis. And the Republicans response? 'We just don't care about jobs.'

"How out of touch, how righteous must the Republican party be that they won't allow an up-or-down vote on legislation that will keep people working, will keep states from slashing services, will keep families' roofs over their heads.

"It is unconscionable.

"This cynical game Republicans are playing with Americans lives and well-being must end. Elections are not worth losing 900,000 jobs, costing a worker his remaining dignity, and forcing more families out of their homes - enough is enough."

With 2.2 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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