Close to 200 1199ers and community activists gathered on January 21 to celebrate the re-election of President Barack Obama at an inaugural ball. “This was really different and a great idea. I had an excellent time,” said Delores Reese, an 1199 delegate. The evening was mostly dinner and dancing, but political volunteers were able to speak on their experiences in the 2012 election campaign and the importance of the union’s political action program.



Walt Higgens, a Delegate and political activist, told the gathering that he first got involved in political action to help stop cuts to healthcare funding. “I was able to see that it wasn’t just a few of us in Buffalo, trying to make a difference, but thousands of 1199ers from all across the state gathered to make a difference,” he said. “Every year, our political action is able to beat back devastating cuts. That makes the difference between some our hospitals and nursing homes remaining open and protecting our jobs.



“1199 continues to be a political powerhouse because so many members get involved and give to political action. We are able to play a major role in electing candidates who stand with us on the issues that matter. This year, over 75 people from WNY traveled to the battleground state Erie, PA to register people to vote and inform people about the change in the voter ID law. Again, 1199 was able to make a huge impact because there was no similar operation going on there at the time. Needless to say, 1199 helped win Pennsylvania for President Obama.



The 1199ers who campaigned in Pennsylvania for Obama were introduced to the crowd.



1199ers interested in getting involved in political action should please call Maurice Brown at 716.995.3702.