Statement from MEA President Paula Herbart
DETROIT – The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding tonight’s victory by Gretchen Whitmer in the race for Michigan governor:
“Today a few million Michiganders joined tens of millions of Americans across the country in exercising their most fundamental right in a democracy—voting. We witnessed a “course correction” for Michigan, for our nation and for public education.
“Words cannot express the pride and satisfaction I feel by the election of Michigan’s new Governor, Gretchen Whitmer. In electing Gretchen, the citizens of Michigan have chosen the strongest supporter of public education, education employees and students in our state’s history. Throughout this campaign, she has shown time and again that she values students, respects educators and will fund our schools so that EVERY student has the opportunity for a great education.
“With Governor-elect Whitmer’s victory, along with many new pro-public education legislators, we look forward to our state’s top elected officials reaching out to front-line education experts—teachers and school support professionals—to ensure their voices are heard before making education policy decisions. More than anything else, this will help ensure Michigan moves back into the top tier of states in student achievement.
“I also want to congratulate Sen. Debbie Stabenow on her re-election and our other recommended candidates – win or lose – on excellent campaigns. Our organization takes pride in our members interviewing the candidates and making our political recommendations, and we’re proud to have stood with each and every one of you, from races for Congress, to the State Legislature, to local school boards.
“Most of all, I want to thank the over 125,000 members of the Michigan Education Association for standing up and making your voices heard – from volunteering to voting, everyone made a difference today for our students and our profession, and we should be proud of what we accomplished together.”
Contact: Doug Pratt, MEA Director of Public Affairs, 517-896-4465
Source: Win for Whitmer is Win for Students, Educators – Michigan Education Association