Today's vote means that hundreds of thousands of essential public servants-- teachers, firefighters and public safety officers-- will not be joining the ranks of the jobless. The measure will prevent layoffs and provide aid to struggling state and local governments who otherwise would be forced to cut critical services. Simply put, it keeps us on the path to economic recovery. Fortunately, two Republicans joined with Democrats to say 'yes.'  

Yet the vast majority of Senate Republicans showed decisively that cheap political points trump good jobs and working people.  Republicans who fought hard for tax cuts for the wealthy today did everything in their power to defeat funding for teachers and firefighters, adding to the laundry list of anti-jobs votes they've taken.  They voted 'no' even though the Congressional Budget Office estimated this measure will reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion.   

Today's victory proves that rebuilding our struggling economy will only occur with a serious commitment by our leaders, Republicans as well as Democrats, to invest in jobs and our communities. The labor movement will continue to fight for good jobs and a sound middle class, an economy that works for everyone and leaders who support this cause.  

Come November, we will not forget who stood with working people and those who turned their backs.

Contact: Amaya Tune (202) 637-5018