As governor, Jay Inslee’s leadership on job creation, healthcare for all and education will benefit all Washington residents
Washington – Citing Jay Inslee’s leadership advocating policies that benefit Washington’s working families, five SEIU local unions representing nearly 100,000 members announced their support today for Jay Inslee for governor of Washington state.
“When it comes to healthcare, Jay puts people first,” said Vicki Neumeier, RN, and member of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW. “He spoke out against the multi-million dollar tax breaks Wall Street banks receive even as our patients lose access to care, and that’s the kind of leadership our patients are counting on. We need a governor who stands with patients, not Wall Street profits.”
“Our next governor must ensure that all Washingtonians, from their earliest years through college, can get the education they need for success,” said Kathy Yasi, a family childcare provider and member of SEIU 925. “We need a leader who will work for the 99% and stand with hard working families. Jay Inslee is the only candidate in this race with the proven experience we need to create jobs, ensure a strong public education system and create a Washington where we all can support our families.”
“Jay Inslee has long supported quality in-home care for seniors and people with disabilities—that means a lot to me,” said Denese Wallace, a home care worker and member of SEIU Healthcare 775NW. “He’s working to rebuild our middle class, create jobs, and lift workers out of poverty by fighting for real career pathways and workforce training.”
“We need a governor that respects a worker’s right to organize,” said Charles Pannell, a janitor and member of SEIU Property Services 6NW. “Jay Inslee supports workers’ efforts in Washington State to make every job a good job.”
SEIU has a long history of endorsing both Republican and Democratic pro-worker candidates. Rob McKenna and Jay Inslee were both invited to compete for the endorsement of SEIU locals through candidate interviews, questionnaires and meeting with rank and file members including childcare providers, nurses, healthcare workers, nursing home and home care workers, public school and higher education employees, and janitors.
SEIU locals expressed disappointment that Rob McKenna chose not to participate in the endorsement process or complete a candidate questionnaire.
These SEIU locals represent 100,000 Washington state workers in health care, public services, and property services. SEIU is the nation’s largest and fastest growing union and represents over 2 million members nationwide.
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SEIU Locals endorsing Jay Inslee include:
SEIU Local 6 – representing 3,500 janitors and security guards in central Puget Sound and Spokane
SEIU Local 49 – representing 1,200 health care workers in Southwest Washington
SEIU Healthcare 775NW – representing 43,000 home care and nursing home workers statewide
SEIU 925 – representing 23,000 education and child care workers statewide
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW – representing 22,000 nurses, healthcare workers, mental health, and state employees statewide