WASHINGTON, D.C. - Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), issued the following statement after President Obama delivered a speech in Dallas promoting the American Jobs Act:

Working people are encouraged that President Obama is taking a strong stand and insisting Congress take action now to get America back to work. The depth of our jobs emergency requires bold action and the President has taken the crucial first step to address this crisis.

"The American Jobs Act will put people back to work immediately, and should be strengthened down the road by putting more revenue on the table, requiring corporations pay their fair share and letting Bush-era tax giveaways expire.

"There is work that needs to be done in cities and towns across this country - rebuilding our crumbling bridges, fixing our roads and repairing our schools. And there are millions of people unemployed. It's time to put the two together to make America better. That's what the American Jobs Act will do.

"If the Republican leadership continues to obstruct progress - creating good American jobs - they will have a tough time explaining their actions - of lack of action - to voters next year."

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. www.seiu.org

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