Saunders welcomes Vilsack confirmation; says he will administer nutrition programs with equality and fairness

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement regarding the Senate’s vote to confirm Tom Vilsack as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture:

“Tom Vilsack understands as well as anyone how important the work of the Department of Agriculture is to the health and vitality of America’s families.

“USDA programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) ensure that millions of people can get the food they need, and AFSCME members who work in sectors like nursing, child care, social work and others know firsthand the impact they have.

“Secretary Vilsack has dedicated his life to public service, both in Iowa and in his previous eight years leading the Department of Agriculture. We know he will administer the programs for families facing food insecurity with equality and fairness, improving access and eliminating obstacles to benefits for those who need them.

“AFSCME congratulates Secretary Vilsack on assuming leadership of USDA once again and look forward to working with him to make our communities stronger.”