Dodd Highlights Commitment to Middle Class at SEIU Conference

DODD HIGHLIGHTS COMMITMENT TO MIDDLE CLASS AT SEIU CONFERENCE

Presidential candidate Chris Dodd today addressed the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)'s Political Action Conference in Washington, DC. Dodd was introduced by Colleen Mehaffey, a Cedar Rapids Head Start teacher who he joined as part of SEIU's Walk a Day in my Shoes program.

"The Middle Class was built by a vibrant labor movement who believed that opportunity was not the right of the wealthy and privileged - it was the right of every single person who lived in this country," said Dodd. "The Middle Class was built by the blood, sweat and heart of workers who stood up and stood their ground fighting for employee rights, for higher standards, greater equality, and security in work and retirement."

Dodd, the author of the Family and Medical Leave Act, also highlighted his intention to provide paid family and medical leave to working Americans. "Being with your family in a time of medical need or to celebrate the birth of a child shouldn't mean you might lose your job. And because we passed FMLA, it hasn't for 50 million Americans. I say it's time we make Family and Medical Leave paid leave. That's what I'll do as your President."

Dodd, the author of the RESPECT Act, which would overturn the Kentucky River Decisions and restore collective bargaining rights for thousands of nurses, excited the crowd when he vowed that organized labor would have a strong voice in a Dodd Administration.

"I introduced the RESPECT Act for the same reason I'm running for President today. Because it is time for this country to decide: are we going to stand up for the efforts of working people to improve their lives? Or are we going to make it harder for families to seize opportunities - at home or at work, in school or in our hospitals? Are we are going to honor the commitment and dedication working Americans bring to their jobs, day-in and day-out? Or are we going to undermine it," said Dodd. "This Administration may not believe labor has any role to play in lifting up American families. But, believe me when I say: mine will. I have been a union guy since I was first elected to Congress 32 years ago. And I will be from the very first moment I'm sworn in as your President."

Dodd, who recently received the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Fighters, will return to Iowa this Thursday to participate in the AARP/Iowa Public Television Presidential Forum.

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