“For the child who was denied coverage because she got too sick, too young – tomorrow is a new day for our country. The 5.5 million members of Change to Win–united in their commitment to bring the change our families, our communities and our country needs, earned this victory the old fashioned way: they worked for it. It is because of their passion and their steadfast belief in doing what’s right that Congress stood and delivered the change they demanded. ," said Change to Win Chair Anna Burger.
"For decades, including a passionate campaign conducted over the past three years, Change to Win members have educated and mobilized their co-workers and neighbors, marched in our towns and nation’s capital, and lobbied vigorously in every region of the nation, calling for many of the reforms passed tonight by the Congress. This vote is a victory for grassroots politics that honors the dignity and well being of all Americans above the profits of our powerful insurance companies," James P. Hoffa, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
"We salute President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and the House leadership for creating a health care system that drives down our deficit, makes our companies more competitive in the global economy, and honors Senator Kennedy’s reminders that health care is a right, not a privilege.
Our members will remember those who had the courage to stand with us and 47 million Americans who have no health care now, but because of tonight’s vote, can see a new future of opportunity and well-being for their families in the near future," stated Arturo S. Rodriguez, President, United Farm Workers of America.
"We urge the Senate and the President to move forward expeditiously following tonight’s vote, so that we achieve this dramatic progress and work together to address jobs, financial regulatory reform, immigration, and climate and energy legislation that can drive economic recovery, “ Burger concluded.
###
About Change to Win
Change to Win is a 5.5-million member partnership of five unions founded in 2005 to represent workers in the industries and occupations of the 21st century economy. Change to Win is committed to restoring the American Dream for a new generation of workers – wages that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement, and opportunity for the future. The affiliated unions are: <http://www.seiu.org/ <http://www.seiu.org/> > Service Employees International Union, <http://www.ufcw.org/ <http://www.ufcw.org/> > United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, <http://www.teamster.org/ <http://www.teamster.org/> > International Brotherhood of Teamsters, <http://www.liuna.org/ <http://www.liuna.org/> > Laborers’ International Union of North America, and <http://www.ufw.org/ <http://www.ufw.org/> > United Farm Workers of America.