In Raleigh, the AFL-CIO, ACORN, AFSCME, HCAN and the NC Justice Center banded together to put on an event to commemorate Obama’s 100th day in office. Since taking the oath on January 19th, Obama has passed progressive policy on women’s pay, health coverage for children, and job creation. He promises to continue the fight for working families by pushing a comprehensive budget plan, reformed health care and the Employee Free Choice Act.

Ajamu Dillahunt, of the NC Justice Center, opened the event by saying, “We are here to celebrate 100 days of making history and making progress, but also to remind everyone that now is the time to identify our accomplishments and to determine what remains to be done.”

Elaine Mejia, of the NC Budget & Tax Center, remarked that she was honored to be with all the participants “who recognize that health care reform, workers rights and responsible fiscal policies are all necessary for progress.”

Our health care speaker was Lynice Williams of Health Care for America Now. She spoke on the need for “quality, affordable coverage so that we are no longer at the mercy of the private sector.”

“Our current health care system is unaffordable for working families,” said Lynice. “We need health care reform and we need it now.”

MaryBe McMillan, Secretary-Treasurer of the NC AFL-CIO, spoke on the Employee Free Choice Act. “Every 23 minutes a worker is fired or discriminated against for exercising his or her right to organize, and our labor laws are helpless to stop it. We urge Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act soon. Working people can’t wait any longer.”