Republicans Back Tax Cuts for the Rich While Opposing Aid for Those Out of Work

Washington, DC - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Mary Kay Henry released the following statement after the United States Senate overcame Republican efforts to block an extension of unemployment benefits:

Today's vote to end the Republican filibuster of unemployment benefits was a clear choice between standing up for out-of-work Americans and standing in the way of the nation's recovery.

"Even though there is a long tradition - under presidents of both parties - of offering relief to the unemployed, almost every single Republican senator voted 'no.'

"Republicans say they are voting 'no' because of the deficit. But these are the same Republicans who are pushing a permanent extension of the Bush tax cuts for the rich, a move which would increase deficits by trillions of dollars over the next 10 years.

"The real reason Republicans are voting 'no' is that they have turned themselves into the Block-Everything Party in the hopes that people will become so frustrated with Washington that they are returned to power. Republicans want to be returned to power even though their policies led to the current economic crisis.

"The women and men of SEIU are determined to get the facts out there.

"Earlier today, SEIU members were on Capitol Hill reminding the public that the Republican Party puts helping the rich over aiding the jobless.

"Now that an extension of unemployment insurance is on the verge of being passed by Congress, we are calling on senators of both parties to back legislation extending Medicaid funding to the states. This funding is needed to save jobs and to protect health coverage for those in need."

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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