State Employees’ Union Backs Van Ostern

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire’s largest union endorsed Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern on Aug. 2, 2016, in his bid to become the Democrat’s nominee for governor next month, according to a press statement.

John Hattan, the director of the Political Education Committee, said Van Ostern stood out for his work on the Executive Council and his willingness to roll up his sleeves and help solve problems for Granite Staters.

“When working people have faced challenges over the last two terms, Colin’s been right there to help find solutions,” Hattan said. “The Executive Council serves an important role for our state and state employees, and he’s always been responsive to our members’ concerns. He’s a strong advocate and leader, and we’re confident that under his leadership, we’ll continue to move New Hampshire forward.”

Union President Rich Gulla agreed.

There is no race this fall that will have a bigger impact on the union’s membership than this one,” he said. “The next governor will set spending priorities for the next two years, which will fund agencies, employment contracts, retirees’ healthcare and protect our pensions. We need a governor who understands these priorities and will fight for them, and I believe that next governor is Colin Van Ostern.”

The union represents more than 11,000 public and private sector employees in New Hampshire, including most state employees.

"From the state workers who have successfully helped extend health coverage to nearly 50,000 New Hampshire citizens since we expanded Medicaid two years ago, to the road crews who keep our highways safe and improve our infrastructure, New Hampshire's state employees are on the front lines of keeping our state moving forward," Van Ostern said in a statement. "I'm proud of the work they do for the people of New Hampshire and I look forward to working together to strengthen the customer service we offer New Hampshire citizens and our visitors — and to build an even stronger economy where everyone has the chance to succeed, not just those at the top."