Statement by NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on Senate Passage of Superstorm Sandy Emergency Relief

ALBANY, NY (12/28/2012)(readMedia)-- The Labor Movement thanks and congratulates Governor Cuomo and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their hard work in marshalling emergency relief funding through the Senate for communities impacted by Superstorm Sandy. It was not easy, but the Senate's action demonstrates that when elected officials, business, and labor work together as New Yorkers first we can overcome tremendous challenges. The State AFL-CIO coordinated a broad and united effort, including engaging the National AFL-CIO and international unions, which was crucial to securing the sixty votes needed for passage.

Our celebration must be short-lived, however, as we know our fight continues in the House. Unions in New York and across the country will continue to make sure that members of Congress understand that these funds are make or break for those whose lives have been forever impacted by Sandy. We call on the House to act now. The Labor Movement's strength is its ability to come together and pick each other up when we fall; we expect no less from our leaders in Washington.

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The New York State AFL-CIO is a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families. Our State Federation, which is the largest and most diverse in the country, is committed to helping working families achieve a better life. For more information on the Labor Movement in New York, visit www.nysaflcio.org.