For Immediate Release:Contact: Leah GonzalezJuly 28, 2009 (347) 231-7231

1199 SEIU ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTSIN 2009 NEW YORK CITY RACES

Union Backs Incumbents, Progressive Activists and Insurgents

(New York, NY)

1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East today announced its endorsement decisionsin New York City Council and Borough President races.“During these difficult economic times, we need strong leaders who can help working families meet thechallenges of living in this City and providing for their families,” said

George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU

. 1199 is proud to support candidates who are committed to the issues critical to workingfamilies – quality healthcare, education, affordable housing and fair wages. We are confident that eachand every candidate we’ve endorsed will fight hard for all working New Yorkers.1199 SEIU represents over 250,000 healthcare workers in New York City and will work to mobilizemembers on behalf of all its endorsed candidates. The union plans to direct mail, phone-bank and godoor-to-door to thousands of members and retirees all across the five boroughs.The full list of 1199 endorsements to date is as follows:

OfficeDistrictBoroughEndorsement

Borough President---------ManhattanScott Stringer Borough President---------BronxRuben Diaz, Jr.Borough President---------BrooklynMarty MarkowitzBorough President---------QueensHelen MarshallCity Council2ManhattanRosie MendezCity Council3ManhattanChristine QuinnCity Council4ManhattanDan Garodnick City Council5ManhattanJessica LappinCity Council6ManhattanGale Brewer City Council7ManhattanRobert JacksonCity Council8ManhattanMelissa Mark-ViveritoCity Council9ManhattanInez DickensCity Council10ManhattanYdanis RodriguezCity Council11BronxTony CassinoCity Council14BronxFernando Cabrera