News Release

NEA Celebrates Election Day Victories

Results from yesterday’s elections signal wins for children and public education after three key statewide victories.  Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, offered his comments on the victories:

“Today we celebrate a victory for children and public education across the nation as millions of Americans turned out to the polls on Election Day and let their voices be heard.

“We must all share in these victories.  A vote for public schools is a vote for America’s future.  In heightened political battles in California, Virginia and New Jersey, voters overwhelmingly supported our children, public schools and public school employees.

“In California, Propositions 74, 75 and 76 attempted to limit the rights of union members and threatened to halt recruitment of quality teachers in our classrooms.  Today, I thank California voters for recognizing and for rejecting these measures that would have hurt our children and our public schools.

“In Virginia, voters elected Tim Kaine governor.  Kaine has been a long time advocate for public education, ensuring that our children have the adequate resources they need to succeed and that our quality teachers receive quality pay.

“In New Jersey, voters elected Democratic Senator Jon Corzine as the next governor.  Corzine believes that every child deserves access to a quality education.

“Our victories today will begin a new dialogue between parents, policymakers and education advocates.  Together, as a nation, we will continue to support our public schools and continue our fight to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and a great public school.”

Nov. 9, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Jasmine Lyons, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7228

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.