SEIU PRESIDENT: OMB DIRECTOR SYLVIA BURWELL UNIQUELY QUALIFIED FOR ONGOING SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

Burwell's Credentials Fit This Moment of Transition

WASHINGTON, DC -- Mary Kay Henry, president of the Service Employees International Union, offered this statement about President Obama's nomination of Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell to serve as the next secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS):

"We support Sylvia Mathews Burwell as the next leader of HHS and look forward to partnering with her in delivering on the promise that the Affordable Care Act holds for hard-working Americans.

"Millions of Americans will benefit from Burwell's leadership and extensive management experience. Director Burwell's combination of developing and carrying out both domestic and global healthcare priorities will bring with it insight into the central role that quality, affordable healthcare plays in the everyday lives and aspirations of working people.

"The role of health secretary is a crucial one at this pivotal moment of transition in terms of both the healthcare law and wider health policies, so we urge Congress to appoint Director Burwell in a timely fashion and look forward to working with her."

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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.

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