WASHINGTON, DC - After joining a diverse group of eight faith and progressive leaders in a prayer fast to call attention to proposed federal budget cuts impacting the most vulnerable Americans, SEIU President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement:

As I fast this weekend, I invite others to join me in working to help our nation refocus its priorities and recognize that no corporation is of greater value than the people whose hard work created its profits.

"I am fasting for the nurses' aide who holds the hands of our elders by day, but does not have the means to care for herself by night. For the security officer who puts his life on the line for us, but whose own life is at risk because he can barely make ends meet. I'm fasting for the child care provider who nurtures the promise of the next generation, yet fears that her own children will not have a better life than she had.

"The House Republicans have shown a complete disregard for working families in our country - and even more disdain for those looking for work.

"The White House and Democrats in both chambers need to take a definitive stand for working families and oppose these reckless and extreme cuts that target the most vulnerable in our society. Compromise is one thing, capitulation is another. And the latter is unacceptable.

"At events across the country this coming Monday, the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., hundreds of thousands of Americans will stand together with the working people of Wisconsin, Ohio and other states where politicians, backed by corporate CEOs, are trying to take away the rights Dr. King gave his life for. It is essential for all of us to continue Dr. King's legacy and stand up against the political and corporate forces in our politics that take aim at the poor, struggling working families, immigrants and those workers trying to organize a union."

With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in North America. 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. www.seiu.org

"

###