New York, NY - 1199SEIU President George Gresham has released the following statement regarding Council Member Corey Johnson's promotion to New York City Council Speaker:

"On behalf of the thousands members of 1199SEIU living and working in New York City, I sincerely congratulate Council Member Corey Johnson on being named City Council Speaker.

"Speaker Johnson has taken a vocal stance on issues directly affecting our members, including affordable housing, income inequality, and the budget and health care assaults on our city from Washington.

"True partnership is needed to ensure that working people have the tools they need to live with dignity in our great city. "We look forward to continuing to stand together to create an even better city for our members, and for all working New Yorkers."

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest union in New York State and the largest healthcare union in the nation. We represent over 250,000 nurses and healthcare workers in New York and over 400,000 members throughout the East Coast.

Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.

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