FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 7, 2008

CONTACT: Greg Denier
Noreen Nielsen
(202) 721-0660

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The following is a statement from Change to Win executive director Greg Tarpinian on the United States Senate's failure to pass the economic stimulus package.

"Yesterday the obstructionist Republican minority blocked a much needed stimulus plan that would have brought help to millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet. With the economy spiraling downward and America's working families hurting, now is not the time to short change them or the economic future.

"We applaud those who supported the Senate leadership plan. Now, we encourage the Senate leadership to continue the fight for an economic stimulus package that includes tax rebates for retired workers and veterans, an extension of unemployment insurance and improved benefits, and a temporary increase in home heating assistance in order to provide an economic jumpstart with the greatest impact. Only when our congressional leaders take bold action will we get the economy back on track and give everyone the opportunity to achieve the American Dream."

** Note: Media representatives interested in scheduling an interview to discuss Change to Win's position on the economic stimulus plan should contact Noreen Nielsen at Noreen.nielsen@changetowin.org. **

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About Change to Win
Change to Win is a 5.5-million member partnership of five unions founded in 2005 to represent workers in the industries and occupations of the 21st century economy. Change to Win is committed to restoring the American Dream for a new generation of workers – wages that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement, and the opportunity for the future. The affiliated unions are: Service Employees International Union, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers' International Union of North America, and United Farm Workers of America.