The Massachusetts AFL-CIO Endorses Natalie Higgins for 4th Worcester District State Representative8/22/2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 22, 2016 Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772 The Massachusetts AFL-CIO Endorses Natalie Higgins for 4th Worcester District State Representative The Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor umbrella organization, representing more than 750 local unions and intermediate bodies, such as joint boards and district councils, announces its endorsement and strong support for Natalie Higgins, Democratic candidate for the 4th Worcester District. “We are proud to support Natalie Higgins for State Representative,” said Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven A. Tolman. “Natalie has dedicated her career to public service and advocacy on behalf of working people. She believes in the importance of state government that is responsive to the people that it serves, and will fight for an economy that works for everyone – not just the wealthy and well-connected.” Higgins is running for the Leominster House seat that incumbent Rep. Dennis Rosa has announced he will not seek this fall. She is an attorney and executive director of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM), a nonprofit that advocates for better funding, more affordability and accessibility for students, and better support for our faculty and staff in public higher education. A 2006 graduate of Leominster High School, Higgins obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UMass Amherst, earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2014. She has worked for the last ten years as a community advocate, first as a Rape Crisis Center Teen Counselor/Community Educator throughout Central Massachusetts. Then, as a law student, she worked in Governor Patrick’s Office, the Worcester Juvenile Court, Community Legal Aid’s Elder Law Unit, and with the Reproductive Justice Unit of the Human Rights Law Network in New Delhi, India. Higgins has pledged to defend public education, increase access to mental health services and create economic development opportunities as State Representative. “I am deeply humbled to receive the support of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO in my campaign for State Representative,” said Natalie Higgins. “I am excited to continue to fight for working families as State Representative and work with the AFL-CIO and its members to build a stronger and fairer economy focused on good jobs and shared prosperity.” Higgins has also received endorsements from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, MassEquality, the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus PAC, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4, Massachusetts Voters for Animals, the Massachusetts National Organization of Women PAC, the Sierra Club, 1199SEIU, the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists, and Mass Care. The Democratic primary election takes place on Thursday, September 8th. Please visit electnataliehiggins.com to learn more about Natalie Higgins. ###
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For Immediate Release Contact: Natalie Higgins – 978-602-3772
Date: August 22, 2016 LEOMINSTER - Natalie Higgins, Democratic Candidate for the 4th Worcester District, calls for her opponent Rick Marchand to debate the issues that are important to the voters of Leominster. The Leominster Champion proposed three dates for a debate between Ms. Higgins and Mr. Marchand (August 27th, 29th, and 30th). Ms. Higgins suggested August 29th, to accommodate Mr. Marchand who had already told the Sentinel and Enterprise he was available for a debate that evening; however, the Sentinel and Enterprise was unavailable because they were hosting a debate for the Democratic Candidates in the Third Worcester District and have since scheduled a debate on September 6th that Ms. Higgins agreed to with the understanding that Mr. Marchand intended on having an earlier debate with the Leominster Champion. After awaiting a reply from Mr. Marchand for several days, Ms. Higgins was informed he told the Leominster Champion he would not be available for a debate on any of the dates proposed. Upon learning that Mr. Marchand refused the debate on the 29th of August, Higgins offered three additional dates. “The people of Leominster deserve to hear the candidates’ positions on the issues that matter to them. Without the August Champion debate, the only opportunity for Leominster residents to see us debate is the September 6th Sentinel debate, less than two days before the primary. My supporters and I believe it is important that the people of Leominster have ample time between the debate and the election to consider the candidates’ responses, and the September 6th debate does not give voters enough time to make their decision. I take the State Representative position seriously and have attempted to accommodate all parties in regards to this debate, and am even willing to have the debate on the 30th, which is the night of my fundraiser, if that becomes the only time Mr. Marchand can make himself available,” said Natalie Higgins. “It’s the oldest trick in the book” said Gloria Bachand, Higgins’ Campaign Manager. “The entrenched politician refuses to directly address any issues or to appear along with other candidates, and hopes that the voters don’t realize that there is a contested election taking place. Natalie looks forward to sharing her positions and knowledge on issues and demonstrating her passion for Leominster.” “As the daughter of a small business owner, I understand the importance of supporting our small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and improving the infrastructure of our city. As Leominster’s State Representative I will ensure that Leominster gets its fair share of funding that will help our community grow,” said Higgins. Continued Higgins: “I believe every Massachusetts resident has a right to high-quality, affordable public education from pre-K through college. We must stop the attacks on public education, and focus on making sure every student and teacher has the resources they need to succeed.” Natalie is committed to ensuring improved and sustainable access to comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment and services. She has heard time and again from voters that North Worcester County is woefully under-resourced, and she intends to address this problem. Higgins is humbled and overwhelmed by the support she has received from Leominster voters and also feels her candidacy is validated by the many endorsements she has received. Endorsing organizations include: Mass Voters for Animals; Mass Nurses Association; Massachusetts AFL-CIO; Mass Care; Environmental League of MA; National Association of Social Workers; MassEquality; Massachusetts National Organization of Women; NARAL; Mass Women’s Political Caucus; Sierra Club Mass; Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 4; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4; SEIU Local 509; 1199SEIU; SEIU Local 888; SEIU State Council; and Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES). Higgins states, “I believe a great State Representative listens to their constituents, and the cornerstones of our democracy depend on informed voters that know the qualifications and leanings of their elected officials. I hope my opponent will reconsider and debate me in a timely manner. I also want to thank the Leominster Champion and the Sentinel and Enterprise for so diligently working with us to organize these debates.” The Democratic primary election takes place on Thursday, September 8th. Please visit electnataliehiggins.com to learn more about Natalie Higgins. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, Aug. 16th 2016 CONTACT: Ture Turnbull, Mass-Care; director@masscare.org, (617) 602-7868 Mass-Care Endorses Natalie Higgins for State Representative Boston, MA - Today Mass-Care, the Commonwealth’s largest advocacy group devoted to single payer health care reform, announced its endorsement of Natalie Higgins for State Representative for the 4th Worcester District; Leominster. “Natalie is a young, smart candidate that understands the public policies that are raising costs, lowing quality and limiting access to healthcare across the Commonwealth,” said Ture Turnbull, Executive Director of Mass-Care. “Her thoughtful, fresh voice is going to be a welcome addition in the State House and will bring us all closer to a just healthcare system, Medicare for ALL.” "Health care costs continue to skyrocket and are hurting our families, small businesses, and our state's budget," said Natalie Higgins. "My mother suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and I have seen how growing deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs impact so many of my parents' financial decisions. I am excited to work with Mass Care to find a better solution with a single payer health care system." Natalie Higgins has a proven record of hard work, perseverance and determination. She believes in the importance of a government that is accessible and understandable to the people that it serves. Natalie brings a new voice for the people of Leominster and to the Commonwealth. Mass-Care supports establishing a single payer health care system in Massachusetts as the most effective way to control costs. In a fast moving election cycle, it is very important to become involved now! ### For Immediate Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Nikko Mendoza | nikko.mendoza@1199.org | 617-990-2487 Twitter: @1199mass Healthcare Workers Endorse Natalie Higgins for State Representative Boston, MA (August 10, 2016) – Members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in Massachusetts, announce their endorsement of Natalie Higgins, Democratic candidate for State Representative in the Fourth Worcester District. “The stakes couldn’t be higher for working families in this election, and we need to elect champions who share our commitment to quality jobs, quality care and true economic and racial justice for all,” said Tyrék D. Lee, Sr., Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Natalie Higgins is a dedicated leader who will stand with us on our issues and will fight with us to build a better future for our families. We are proud to endorse her for election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives.” More than 52,000 members of 1199SEIU work in hospitals, health centers, nursing homes and homecare programs across Massachusetts. As a result of their advocacy efforts, 1199SEIU members have won significant victories over the past year to create a pathway that protects access to quality care and good jobs at community hospitals; advance important legislation that allows workers to take job-protected leave to care for themselves or family members; secure earned sick time for all workers; raise the minimum wage; and negotiate major contracts to ensure quality jobs for healthcare workers. In addition, 1199SEIU members have been leaders in the national Fight for $15 movement and became the first union in the nation to win a $15 starting wage for Massachusetts’ 35,000 Personal Care Attendants. “Healthcare workers touch our lives in so many ways, and I am so thankful to have the support of 1199SEIU in my campaign,” said Natalie Higgins. “Labor unions are vital advocates for our entire community. I am continuously inspired by 1199SEIU and its members and excited for the opportunity to continue to advocate with them as State Representative for the Fourth Worcester District." 1199SEIU members have a consistent and demonstrated record of success in local, state and federal elections across Massachusetts, the East Coast and the nation. During recent election cycles in which they have endorsed candidates, 1199SEIU members have proven to be a highly effective voter mobilization force across the Commonwealth, particularly in wards and precincts in communities of color – areas that often are critical to the final outcome of the election. ### Representing more than 52,000 healthcare workers throughout Massachusetts and over 400,000 workers across the East Coast, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all. 1199SEIU is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union. The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 and Massachusetts Voters for Animals have announced their endorsement of Natalie Higgins, Democratic candidate for state representative in the 4th Worcester District.
See the full article here. For Immediate Release August 10, 2016 Contact: Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772 Sierra Club Endorses Natalie Higgins for 4th Worcester District State Representative The Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization -- with more than two million members and supporters, announces its endorsement and strong support for Natalie Higgins, Democratic candidate for the 4th Worcester District. "The Sierra Club is proud to support Natalie Higgins, a passionate advocate for improving public transportation across the Commonwealth," said David Rudolph, Chair of the Massachusetts Sierra Club Political Committee. "We look forward to working with her on this as well as renewable energy, recycling, and other environmental issues, and we encourage voters to support her." Higgins is running for the Leominster House seat that incumbent Rep. Dennis Rosa has announced he will not seek this fall. She is an attorney and executive director of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM), a nonprofit that advocates for more affordable, accessible, and well-staffed public higher education institutions. A lifelong Leominster resident and 2006 graduate of Leominster High School, Higgins obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UMass Amherst, earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2014. She has worked for the last ten years as a community advocate, first as a Rape Crisis Center Teen Counselor/Community Educator throughout Central Massachusetts. As a law student she worked in Governor Patrick’s Office, the Worcester Juvenile Court, Community Legal Aid’s Elder Law Unit, Northeastern’s Domestic Violence Clinic, and with the Reproductive Justice Unit of the Human Rights Law Network in New Delhi, India. Higgins has pledged to defend public education, increase access to mental health services and create economic development opportunities as State Representative. She also supports a wide range of Sierra Club priorities. “Rising energy costs are hurting our residents and business owners. We have an opportunity to make Massachusetts a leader in fighting climate change as well as reduce energy costs by incentivizing clean energy solutions,” said Higgins. Higgins has also received endorsements from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, MassEquality, the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus PAC, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4, Massachusetts Voters for Animals, and the Massachusetts National Organization of Women PAC. The Democratic Primary will be held on Thursday September 8th. You can learn more about Natalie Higgins at www.electnataliehiggins.com. ### This letter to the editor was featured in both the Sentinel & Enterprise and the Leominster Champion this week:
Serious personal or family medical emergencies arise for all of us, at some point. Individuals receive an unexpected diagnosis. An elderly parent’s health rapidly declines. A family member faces a terminal illness. And all parents need time off to nurture and bond with their newborn or newly adopted children. The paid family and medical leave bill just passed by the Senate would allow people in these situations to take time to take care of their health or the health of a loved one without fear of losing their job or the risk of financial ruin. The legislation would help our state’s families, businesses, and economy. Businesses would benefit from healthier and more productive employees, while the reduction in worker turnover would generate savings for employers. Paid family and medical leave also keeps more money in the pockets of families, who then spend it in the local economy. Not only did my family bear the extra burden of caring for my maternal grandparents as they battled and lost their lives to cancer, some leaving their jobs to care for them, but I see the incredible benefit it could provide to my parents as small business owners, who would not be able to provide this sort of protection for their employees without this kind of legislation. I applaud the Massachusetts Senate’s passage of paid family medical leave this past weekend. It’s clear that there is an urgent need for paid family and medical leave in Massachusetts. And I look forward to working in the next session to pass the paid family and medical leave bill, when I am your new State Representative. Hardworking people shouldn’t have to choose between working at the job they need and caring for the family they love. Natalie Higgins Leominster Resident Candidate for State Representative, 4th Worcester District For Immediate Release Date: August 1, 2016 Contact: Zeina Marchant 781-568-0055 pac@massnow.org The Mass. NOW PAC Endorses Natalie Higgins for State Representative 4th Worcester District The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee is pleased to announce its endorsement of Natalie Higgins. Higgins is running for election to the State House of Representatives, 4th Worcester District. Nancy Rosenblum and Donna Denoncourt, Co-Chairs of the Mass. NOW PAC, say: “Natalie will be a strong advocate for all of NOW's priority issues. Her commitment towards ending violence against women and girls in their homes, communities, and on college campuses will continue in the State House.” The Mass. NOW PAC endorses candidates who are committed to NOW’s mission and priority issue areas, including reproductive freedom, racial justice, constitutional rights, economic justice, LGBT Rights, and ending violence against women. In order to receive the support of the Mass. NOW PAC, candidates must go through a rigorous endorsement process, including a multi-issue questionnaire and an interview with PAC members. The Mass. NOW PAC works to ensure that women’s rights and other social justice issues are given a voice on Beacon Hill. Prior to running for office, Higgins has worked for the last ten years as a community advocate, first as a Rape Crisis Center Teen Counselor/Community Educator throughout Central Massachusetts. Then, as a law student, she worked in Governor Patrick’s Office, the Worcester Juvenile Court, Community Legal Aid’s Elder Law Unit, and with the Reproductive Justice Unit of the Human Rights Law Network in New Delhi, India. In 2014, she became the executive director of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, or PHENOM, a nonprofit that advocates for better funding, more affordability and accessibility for students, and better support for our faculty and staff in public higher education institutions. The Mass. NOW PAC looks forward to electing Higgins to the Legislature and working with her on equal rights and social justice issues. On receiving the Mass. NOW PAC endorsement, Higgins says, “I am honored to have the support of the Mass. NOW PAC. I cannot wait to bring my skills as a community organizer and advocate to the State House and work with them to advance equal rights and to continue to fight to bring an end to sexual and domestic violence in our communities.” Natalie Higgins has also been endorsed by the Mass Nurses Association PAC, MassEquality PAC, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4,Mass Voters for Animals, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 4, Mass Women’s Political Coalition PAC, Progressive Democrats of Mass, SEIU Local 509, 1199SEIU, and SEIU Local 888. The primary election is Thursday, September 8, 2016. Please be sure to head to the polls and join the Mass. NOW PAC in supporting Natalie Higgins for State House of Representatives. ### |
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