Issued August 07, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC — Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Mary Kay Henry made the following statement today:
“The Inflation Reduction Act passed by the Senate today is a game-changer for working people across America struggling with rising healthcare and prescription drug costs and the devastating impacts of climate change. And it is truly historic – putting us on a path to a 40-percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, paid for by giant corporations that have been making record profits and without poison pill anti-immigrant amendments. This landmark deal is a credit to the tireless advocacy of essential workers who voted for change in record numbers in 2020 and who have spent the past year demanding that Congress follow through on President Biden’s vision.
As we celebrate the progress made today, we continue to fight for federal investments to strengthen our nation’s care system, including transforming care jobs into good union jobs and making home care for seniors and people with disabilities and child care more affordable for those who need it. The investments in climate and healthcare, paid for by closing gaps on corporate greed, are so important. And their success depends on finishing our work, making sure we make similar historic investments in care jobs, which are largely held by women of color and support whole families and communities.
Today’s vote gives SEIU’s 2 million members and worker leaders new hope and momentum as we head to the polls to fight for an inclusive economy with good, union jobs and a government that works for all of us. And when we vote, we will remember who stood with us in this moment and who stood with big corporations.”