For Immediate Release    Contact: Eddie Vale 202-637-5018

STATEMENT BY AFL-CIO PRESIDENT JOHN SWEENEY ON THE

MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT RULING

June 30, 2009 

America’s workers congratulate Al Franken – and the people of Minnesota who have gone 226 days without a second Senator – for their unanimous victory today in the Minnesota Supreme Court.   

Working families are facing many challenges including a tough economy, lack of health care coverage and an out of balance economic system where workers do not have a voice at their job.  With these colossal issues at stake it is essential that Minnesotans have both their Senators to represent them and we urge Governor Pawlenty to immediately sign the election certificate so Franken can get to work. 

The seating of Senator Franken is also a crucial step towards passing the Employee Free Choice Act that will allow workers to have a voice at work, lift their standard of living and build stronger communities as well as stronger families.  We urge the Senate to move forward swiftly on this crucial piece of legislation as well as health care reform, financial re-regulation and all the crucial issues facing working families. 

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