(NEW YORK) - 1199 SEIU (Service Employees International Union) United Healthcare Workers East hasannounced its endorsement of State Senator Eric Schneiderman for New York State Attorney General.  Schneiderman has been endorsed by 1199's Executive Council, the Union's highest decision-making body, in a unanimous vote.

From his days as a 15-year old community activist until the present, Eric Schneiderman's commitment to the community and dedication to public service has produced a long record of accomplishments for Working Families that is second to none, the SEIU said.  Schneiderman's work in fighting the insurance companies on behalf of patients, fair funding for public schools, holding the MTA accountable to the riding public and reforming the draconian Rockefeller drug laws are just a few examples of his efforts to bring equality to all New Yorkers.

"1199 SEIU is extremely proud to endorse Eric Schneiderman for New York State Attorney General.  Eric's commitment to Working Families and social justice are what makes him the strongest candidate in this race and we will work incredibly hard across the state to get him elected," said George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. 

"Eric's long record of public service and activism on issues our members care deeply about demonstrates his ability to bring positive change and progressive results.  We need strong leadership in Albany and we are confident that Eric will continue to seek equality and justice for New Yorkers as the next Attorney General," Gresham said 

Said Schneiderman: "This is such an incredible honor.  I'm so proud to have the backing of the hard-working men and women of 1199 SEIU.  From the Civil Rights Movement to Health Care Reform, 1199 has always been fighting the important battles - and delivering - for New Yorkers.  As Attorney General, I will fight to deliver equal justice for you.  That means ending a system where there is one set of rules for the powerful and another for everyone else.  I thank the members of this great Union for their support.  You can rest assured that I will fight every single day to protect Working and Middle-Class families."

1199 SEIU represents 275,000 Health Care workers in New York State and will work to mobilize the membership on Schneiderman's behalf, Union officials said.  SEIU also plans to direct mail, phone-bank and go door-to-door to all members and retirees across the entire state.

With 350,000 members in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland and Washington D.C., 1199 SEIU is the largest and fastest growing Health Care Union in the country.  Its mission is "to achieve affordable, high quality Health Care for all."