Washington, DC - Mary Kay Henry, President of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union (SEIU), issued the following statement tonight after President Barack Obama's State of the Union address:

Tonight, President Obama met the moment by outlining commonsense proposals for an America in the midst of a brutal jobs crisis and the worst income inequality in a generation. These proposals will restore a sense of balance and fairness to our great nation and restore the middle class.

"The President was exactly right that America needs an economy that's built to last and requiring millionaires, Big Oil and other corporations to invest their fair share is a critical step in that direction. We must also reward companies that keep good jobs in America, not ship jobs overseas. President Obama spoke for working people tonight, too many of whom have seen the plants and offices that were once the lifeblood of their communities disappear.

"The President also rightly urged Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, including a clear path to citizenship for children who were brought to this country through no choice of their own. Congress should lead by empowering these young people to realize their full potential so that they can contribute their talents to our shared future. It is time to open the doors of opportunity and pass the DREAM Act now.

"President Obama's vision of America, where party positions may differ, but where we share values such as the ability to support our families, retire with dignity and leave the world a better place for generations to come, is exactly what is required to turn our country around. Our nation simply cannot be at its greatest if we say to working people: 'You're on your own.' We will only meet the true promise of America when we have each others' backs."

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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