CHICAGO — Today, the SEIU Illinois State Council announced its endorsement of Marie Newman in the state's March 20 Democratic primary. Newman is running to unseat longtime incumbent Congressman Dan Lipinski in Illinois' 3rd Congressional District.
While Illinois working families are struggling to make ends meet, Congressman Lipinski told the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board that he did not support raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. His refusal to stand with working families for a higher minimum wage, along with his votes against the Affordable Care Act, legal protections for immigrant families and a woman's right to choose shows how clearly out of step Congressman Lipinski is with the progressive values of his constituents. Unlike Lipinski, Newman will be a progressive champion in Washington for the 3rd District's working families by fighting for a $15 minimum wage, advocating for immigrant families, protecting a woman's right to choose and expanding access to affordable health care.
"Congressman Lipinski's refusal to support a $15 minimum wage for working people shows how deeply out of touch he is with the working families of his district," said SEIU Illinois State Council President Tom Balanoff. "Whether it's voting against Obamacare or voting for restrictions on a woman's right to choose, it is clear Congressman Lipinski does not share the progressive values of his constituents. SEIU is proud to join a long list of progressive leaders and organizations in endorsing Marie Newman for Congress."
"Every day, our members get up to do very hard work to deliver quality health care and child care services to those who depend on us. Unfortunately, not enough of our elected officials in Washington are doing what's necessary to help these workers improve their lives," said SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana President Greg Kelley. "I'm standing here today to support Marie Newman for the 3rd District Congressional seat for the state of Illinois precisely because we need someone to represent us in Washington who will not quiver or equivocate on the issues that are so important to working families."
"When you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve a shot at the American Dream. That is a value I share with the 10,000 SEIU members who are the very backbone of our community here in the Third district. For far too long, Dan Lipinski has turned a blind eye to hardworking Illinois families ignoring his responsibility to fight to give them a chance," said Marie Newman. "I will never turn my back on our working families, rather, I will fight tirelessly to make sure workers can survive on a livable wage, starting at $15 an hour, have access to affordable and quality healthcare and Medicare for all, and can access their earned benefits like Social Security and have respect and dignity in the workplace. I could not be more honored to have the support of SEIU and I look forward to working alongside them as a partner to make sure no matter who you are or where you come from if you work hard you will have a fighting chance at success."
The SEIU Illinois State Council represents more than 150,000 working people, including home care and child care providers, security officers, janitors, as well as public employees, medical professionals, first responders and social service workers. SEIU members are winning better wages, health care, and more secure jobs, while ensuring that working people, not just the wealthy and well-connected, benefit from today's economy.
