FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from AFT Michigan
January 24, 2022
Contact: David Hecker, dhecker@aftmichigan.org, 313-204-6115
AFT Michigan Endorses Whitmer, Benson and Nessel in 2022 Midterms
The strong leadership shown by Michigan’s top elected officials is what is needed in the years ahead
MICHIGAN – Today, during a regular meeting of its Administrative Board, the American Federation of Teachers Michigan proudly endorsed Gretchen Whitmer, Jocelyn Benson and Dana Nessel for reelection to their current offices.
The following statements should be attributed to David Hecker, president of AFT Michigan:
“AFT Michigan is thrilled to once again be endorsing Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Throughout her first term as governor, Governor Whitmer has served as a stalwart advocate for public pre-K12 and higher education in Michigan. Last year, she secured historic funding for pre-K12 education along with significant increases in higher education that will provide many of the resources that our students need to succeed. The Governor is the last person to rest on her laurels and recognizes we have more to do to support our students and educators at all levels and she’s committed to seeing the job through and pursuing equity in education funding.
The past few years have not been easy on public education and without Gov. Whitmer at the helm, we don’t know where we would be. She has vetoed DeVos-backed voucher legislation that would funnel money away from public schools, stood for the truth in the face of an aggressive push to undermine honesty in education, and worked hard to reconnect adults to education programs to meet their needs and the needs of our state. Gov. Whitmer has shown what strong leadership looks like. There are still challenges ahead for our educators, students and schools at every level and we need an ally in the Governor’s Office. Gretchen Whitmer is that ally.”
“We’re also proud to endorse Attorney General Dana Nessel in the 2022 election. From voting rights to labor rights and beyond, Attorney General Nessel has fought tirelessly on behalf of working families and students across Michigan and worked to ensure those who attack our rights are held accountable. With a fighter like Attorney General Nessel in office, we can rest assured that Michigan’s top law enforcement official will protect our communities no matter their ZIP code, wealth or makeup.”
“As educators, we also recognize that protecting our voting rights and ensuring the health of our democracy is a crucial part of securing the future of public education. With that goal in mind, we have also chosen to endorse Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Secretary Benson’s work to defend voting rights and modernize our elections is critical, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with her to ensure that access to the ballot is never threatened for any community.”
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