U.S. Senate Candidate Al Franken Walks in the Shoes of SEIU Nursing Home Worker Ulysses Bridges
As part of SEIU’s nationwide “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program to ensure
that candidates running for political office experience firsthand what
life is like for working people in America, U.S. Senate candidate Al
Franken yesterday walked a day in the shoes of SEIU member and nursing
home worker Ulysses Bridges in Minnesota.
Franken’s time with
Bridges began with an early morning breakfast and continued with rounds
at the nursing home in Robbinsdale where Bridges works.
“It means a lot not just to me, but to my patients too, that a
candidate for the U.S. Senate chose to work an entire shift with me.
Now that he’s spent time on the job caring for residents, I hope Al
Franken has a better understanding of what it’s like for workers like
me.
“At my nursing home, workers united on the job to make a difference
for our residents by setting standards for safe staffing. I made sure
Al Franken knew that most healthcare workers don’t have a voice on the
job and because of that patient care has taken a hit. Healthcare has to
be a top priority for everyone running for political office.”
Franken is the first Senate candidate to walk a day in the shoes of an
SEIU member. SEIU members across the country have begun inviting
candidates for political office – from Mayor to Governor – to learn
what it’s like to work and raise a family in America.
To date, six presidential candidates have participated in SEIU’s “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program.
Senator Edwards spent a day in April with a nursing assistant in New York,
Governor Richardson walked in June in the shoes of a family services worker in Las Vegas,
Senator Dodd spent time in July with a Head Start teacher in Iowa,
Senator Obama walked in August in the shoes of a homecare worker in Oakland,
Senator Clinton spent a day in August with a registered nurse in Las Vegas, and
Senator Biden walked in August in the shoes of a school custodian.
Read more about the Walk a Day in My Shoes program.Read Pat Lopez from the Star Tribune's account of the day.