Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones named Local Elected Official of the Year
Lansing – Today the Michigan AFL-CIO named Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D-East Lansing) and Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) as its Legislators of the Year for 2018. Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones was also named Local Elected Official of the Year. The awards were announced at the state labor federation’s legislative convention at UAW Region 1 in Warren.
“These awards are all about honoring leaders who get up every day and fight for legislation that helps create good jobs and build a strong economy for Michigan’s working families. ,” said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “Michigan’s working men and women are fortunate to have hardworking elected officials like Winnie, Curtis, and Brenda fighting on our behalf each and every day. They each have strong voting records, and they know whose side they’re on. We’re thrilled to honor these dedicated public servants for the important work they do.”
Sen. Hertel was awarded for leading the charge to finally allocate money for the First Responders Presumed Coverage Fund, which provides workers’ compensation and medical coverage for 10 different types of cancer to our first responders. Hertel had a 100 percent voting record on the Michigan AFL-CIO’s 2015-2016 legislative scorecard.
“It is an incredible privilege to be honored by an organization that does so much for the people of this state, and which has spearheaded the fight for better working conditions and fairer wages,” said Hertel. “I will remain vigilant and outspoken in the struggle for social and economic justice, and I am proud to stand in solidarity with the men and women of the AFL-CIO in this fight.”
Rep. Brinks was awarded for her leadership fighting for the men and women living at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Brinks has worked tirelessly to hold Governor Snyder’s administration accountable for its failed privatization at the veterans’ home, and ensure our veterans receive the care they have earned. Brinks also received a 100 percent voting record on the labor federation’s 2015-2016 legislative scorecard.
“I’m proud to be chosen as the Michigan AFL-CIO’s Representative of the Year,” said Rep. Brinks. “Working people in Michigan deserve legislators who will have their backs and work together to build an economy that works for everyone. I will continue to go to work for them every day and I will keep fighting for the things our families need, because that’s how we build a better Michigan for all of us.”
City Council President Brenda Jones was honored for her tireless work on behalf of Detroit’s working families as a leader on the City Council. In her position, Jones has fought to protect our first responders and city employees, and ensure they have the resources they need to serve the people of Detroit effectively and efficiently. Jones is the past president of Communication Workers of America Local 4004.
“As a proud union member, this award means the world to me,” said President Jones. “Now more than ever, we need elected officials who go to work every day and fight for working people, not just the wealthy and well-connected. I’m proud to accept this award, and look forward to continuing our work to build a city that works for everyone.”
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