FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2009
CONTACT: Jennifer Munt ▪ 651-287-0575 work ▪ 651-357-8544 cell         click here for PDF

Today, one of the state’s largest and most politically active unions – AFSCME Minnesota Council 5 – announced its endorsement of Winona City Council member Debbie White in her campaign to unseat state Rep. Gene Pelowski, Jr. (DFL-Winona).

White has been an at-large member of the Winona City Council since 2004. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. This is her first bid for state office.

“Debbie White shares AFSCME’s commitment to excellence in public services and to prosperity and opportunity for all working families,” says Violet Belter of AFSCME Local 945, who works at Winona State University. “Debbie impressed us as a strong leader who campaigns hard and listens well. She wants to work in partnership with state employees to deliver the best possible public services to the people of Minnesota.”

“Twelve terms is enough for Rep. Pelowski, who treats his constituents with contempt,” explains Paul Bissen, chair of AFSCME’s screening committee. “He ignored hundreds of calls to raise revenue fairly and invest in our community. Instead, he helped Gov. Pawlenty’s allies protect tax breaks for the wealthy, while cutting the vital public services that working families need most when they’re losing their jobs, their homes and their health care.”

Unlike Rep. Pelowski, Debbie White supports raising revenue fairly to balance the state budget.

Rep. Pelowski had a 43 percent AFSCME voting record during the 2009 legislative session. He voted against the Omnibus Tax Bill (HF 885), which would have raised $1 billion in new revenue by taxing the wealthiest Minnesotans, credit card companies and alcohol. He also opposed an override of the Governor’s veto of the tax bill, and voted to privatize AFSCME jobs at state tree nurseries.

Rep. Pelowski declined the invitation to screen for AFSCME’s endorsement.

AFSCME Council 5 is a union of 43,000 public and non-profit workers throughout Minnesota, including 209 members who can vote in district 31A.

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