PEF Endorses Kirsten Gillibrand for U.S. Senate Seat

• by New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF)

ALBANY, NY (06/09/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today announced its endorsement of Kirsten Gillibrand for U.S. Senator from New York.

"PEF has had a long standing relationship with Senator Gillibrand," said PEF President Ken Brynien. "She has proven herself as an advocate for working families and has remained supportive of public employees. The PEF leadership has made its decision based on her record to fight for jobs, especially during the economic downturn."

PEF Vice President Joe Fox and chair of PEF's Political Action Committee (PAC) said, "PEF is delighted to join the many congressional endorsements that Kirsten Gillibrand has already garnered. We are pleased to be the first statewide union to support her as she seeks election to the United States Senate.

"PEF was particularly pleased to see Gillibrand work with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that will invest more than $1.3 million at medical research facilities in western NY," Fox said.

"Gillibrand cares about the needs and concerns of New Yorkers," said PEF Vice President and PAC co-chair Pat Baker. "She has been supportive of the working class in many ways. She fights for lowering taxes for middle class families, seeks alternatives to greener energy sources, and remembers our troops and veterans."

PEF is the largest white-collar state-employee union, representing 59,000 employees in professional, technical and scientific positions.