When the AFT endorsed New York Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president, UUP and NYSUT quickly promised to spread the word that the former first lady has been an outspoken advocate for children, public education and universal health care — all of which are key issues backed by the labor movement.

“While UUP doesn’t endorse a presidential candidate, we can and do encourage our members to strongly consider a candidate’s service before stepping into the polls this Feb. 5,” said UUP Acting President Frederick Floss. “Sen. Clinton’s record speaks for itself. She has helped to advance the legislative agendas and education initiatives of UUP, NYSUT and AFT, in New York state and at the national level.”

NYSUT also celebrated the endorsement, noting that delegates to the union’s annual policymaking convention last year passed a resolution in support of Clinton, dubbing her “New York’s favorite daughter.”

For more information on the Clinton campaign, go to the AFT Web site at www.aft.org.

— Karen L. Mattison