Press
More than 1,000 SEIU members have taken time off
their jobs and 100,000 nurses, janitors, child care providers, and
other workers will be volunteering after work and on weekends to win on
November 4th.
Feel free to contact me at marcus.mrowka@seiu.org or 202-730-7759 if you'd like to talk to an SEIU member doing political work.
Shannon Jones, Denver
Shannon Jones is a medical assistant in Denver and a mother of three teenagers. At work she sees the effects of our healthcare crisis firsthand. Many of the patients she cares for can't afford to get the treatment and procedures they need. And the often can't pay for medication.
She loves her job and she hopes to become a nurse. But classes are expensive and she can't afford to lose her healthcare while she's in school.
This is the first time that Shannon's been interested in politics. She's hopeful that Obama will make it easier for workers to provide for their families--and she wants to be a part of the change Obama will bring. That's why she's taking time off to work full-time to help win Colorado in November.
Linda Graham, Pittsburgh
Linda Graham is taking time off her job at Pittsburgh's Central Blood Bank to work full-time on electing a president who will make healthcare for all a priority. Her father is a veteran--and Linda is concerned that he isn't getting the care he needs in the VA hospital system.
Linda took her father to the hospital for a swollen leg. She's been a healthcare worker for 20 years so she could tell something was wrong. But the hospital dismissed him saying it could be gout but they weren't sure. Two days later, Linda's father had a heart attack
"My dad almost died because he didn't receive the health care he needed," says Linda. "He served and protected our nation. But now our healthcare system is failing him--and he's not alone."
Linda's also been passing up pay increases to keep her health coverage. So for Linda, something has to change. That's why she's been working night and day to elect Barack Obama.
The Associated Press recently followed Linda while she was out knocking on doors. Check out the article and video.
Becky Flagg, Milwaukee
Becky Flagg has been a handicap children's assistant for the Milwaukee Public Schools for 13 years. She loves caring for children but school funding keeps getting cut in her district. They are closing schools and cutting staff--so classrooms are more crowded and there are fewer teachers and support staff.
At the same time they cut her hours. But Becky still comes in early and stays late to make sure the kids in her school get the attention they need. She says that school districts need more funding if we want our kids to get the education they deserve. Becky also works part-time caring for special needs children in her home but she says it's still hard to make ends meet. With winter coming, she doesn't know how she's going to afford to heat her house.
While school was out, Becky helped register new voters and educate her community about why Obama is the best choice for working people. Now that school is back in session she's working overtime to ensure Wisconsin elects Obama in November.
For more information on what SEIU members are doing to elect Barack Obama and other pro-worker candidates, visit www.WalkADayInMyShoes2008.com.
Feel free to contact me at marcus.mrowka@seiu.org or 202-730-7759 if you'd like to talk to an SEIU member doing political work.
Shannon Jones, Denver
Shannon Jones is a medical assistant in Denver and a mother of three teenagers. At work she sees the effects of our healthcare crisis firsthand. Many of the patients she cares for can't afford to get the treatment and procedures they need. And the often can't pay for medication.
She loves her job and she hopes to become a nurse. But classes are expensive and she can't afford to lose her healthcare while she's in school.
This is the first time that Shannon's been interested in politics. She's hopeful that Obama will make it easier for workers to provide for their families--and she wants to be a part of the change Obama will bring. That's why she's taking time off to work full-time to help win Colorado in November.
Linda Graham, Pittsburgh
Linda Graham is taking time off her job at Pittsburgh's Central Blood Bank to work full-time on electing a president who will make healthcare for all a priority. Her father is a veteran--and Linda is concerned that he isn't getting the care he needs in the VA hospital system.
Linda took her father to the hospital for a swollen leg. She's been a healthcare worker for 20 years so she could tell something was wrong. But the hospital dismissed him saying it could be gout but they weren't sure. Two days later, Linda's father had a heart attack
"My dad almost died because he didn't receive the health care he needed," says Linda. "He served and protected our nation. But now our healthcare system is failing him--and he's not alone."
Linda's also been passing up pay increases to keep her health coverage. So for Linda, something has to change. That's why she's been working night and day to elect Barack Obama.
The Associated Press recently followed Linda while she was out knocking on doors. Check out the article and video.
Becky Flagg, Milwaukee
Becky Flagg has been a handicap children's assistant for the Milwaukee Public Schools for 13 years. She loves caring for children but school funding keeps getting cut in her district. They are closing schools and cutting staff--so classrooms are more crowded and there are fewer teachers and support staff.
At the same time they cut her hours. But Becky still comes in early and stays late to make sure the kids in her school get the attention they need. She says that school districts need more funding if we want our kids to get the education they deserve. Becky also works part-time caring for special needs children in her home but she says it's still hard to make ends meet. With winter coming, she doesn't know how she's going to afford to heat her house.
While school was out, Becky helped register new voters and educate her community about why Obama is the best choice for working people. Now that school is back in session she's working overtime to ensure Wisconsin elects Obama in November.
For more information on what SEIU members are doing to elect Barack Obama and other pro-worker candidates, visit www.WalkADayInMyShoes2008.com.
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