RI AFL-CIO Endorses Joseph Shekarchi for State Representative in District 23

The Executive Board of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO voted to endorse Joseph Shekarchi for State Representative in District 23 in the Democratic Primary election to be held on September 13, 2022.

George Nee, President of the state’s largest labor federation, said “As Speaker of the House, Representative Shekarchi has made a positive impact for the working people of Rhode Island. He has provided targeted tax relief for Rhode Islanders by eliminating the car tax, delivering $250 tax credits to working families with children, and eliminating the state income tax on military pensions. He has also passed a bill that increases the minimum wage to $15 per hour and has strongly supported efforts to protect the current law that provides for mandatory time and a half pay for all workers who work on Sunday and holidays. We’re supporting Speaker Shekarchi because he has a record of standing with our members.”

Patrick Crowley, Secretary Treasurer of the RI AFL-CIO, highlighted Speaker Shekarchi’s role in creating more jobs in the green economy as a key factor in earning the RI AFL-CIO’s endorsement: “Speaker Shekarchi helped push through the two most consequential climate bills in Rhode Island history – the Act on Climate and the 100% Renewable Energy Standard. These bills are difference makers in protecting our environment and reducing carbon emissions, but they also create good, well-paying green jobs and transition us to a green economy. Speaker Shekarchi has had the foresight to put us on a path to a cleaner environment and ensure we are creating the jobs of the future.”

The AFL-CIO represents over 250 affiliated unions and 80,000 working men and women across the Ocean State.