Long Island, NY - October 14, 2016 - Today, former federal prosecutor and State Senator Todd Kaminsky was endorsed by 1199SEIU in his bid for reelection to the State Senate. Throughout his time in the legislature, Senator Kaminsky has stood up for Long Island's middle class families by fighting to raise the minimum wage, enacting paid family leave, and passing an historic $4 billion middle class tax cut. 1199SEIU has long been known as one of New York State's most influential labor unions and effective political organizations.
Kaminsky is running for re-election following his historic, April 19th Special Election victory to replace convicted former Senator Dean Skelos.
After receiving the endorsement, Senator Todd Kaminsky said: “Fighting for good paying jobs while keeping Long Island affordable for middle class families is a top priority, and I'm thrilled to have 1199SEIU's support for my campaign. For decades, 1199SEIU has been on the front lines of progressive battles and I was proud to stand there with them. Because of their hard work, New York State has lead the way - passing a $15 minimum wage and enacting historic paid family leave legislation so that no New Yorker will lose their job while taking care of a sick loved one. Now, we must continue the work of holding the line on taxes for Long Islanders, funding our public schools, and making sure we clean up Albany so that taxpayer dollars aren't wasted by corrupt public officials."
1199SEIU Long Island Political Director Michele Lynch said: “Last session Todd Kaminsky stood with 1199SEIU members on important matters to healthcare workers, including increasing the minimum wage, and access to affordable, quality healthcare for all. We look forward to continuing our work with Todd in the Senate to achieve our 1199SEIU Action Platform, which includes ensuring affordable education for all, from day care to college and protecting our natural resources; clean, air, water and land. We are confident that he will help to make certain that the voices of healthcare workers and all working families are heard in Albany.”
1199SEIU is the largest healthcare workers union in the nation with over 400,000 members. In New York City and Long Island, the union represents over 200,000 serving as nurses, hospital workers, nursing home aids, and pharmacy attendees. They have long been known as one of the most politically powerful and influential unions in New York State.
About Todd Kaminsky
Senator Kaminsky has spent his career fighting for Long Island families and working to end government corruption. As a federal prosecutor representing Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens, and as acting deputy chief of the Public Integrity Section, Todd took down corrupt elected officials, drug kingpins and other major felons.
In April, 2016, Todd won a Special Election to replace Dean Skelos and immediately began serving the South Shore in the State Senate. During his time in the Senate and State Assembly, Todd fought for and won ethics reforms, one of the largest middle class tax breaks in state history, aid for Sandy victims, and a historic $20million increase in funding for South Shore school districts.
