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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2000

News Release

The Nation's Educators Mourn the Loss of Governor Carnahan

"His principled commitment to children and education will be remembered forever"

Washington, D.C. -- "The National Education Association (NEA) expressed deep sadness at the loss of a dedicated public servant and true friend of public education, Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan," said NEA President Bob Chase. "We join the Governor's family and the people of Missouri in mourning the profound loss in his death. His activist legacy and principled commitment to children and education will be remembered forever."

During his career as state treasurer, lieutenant governor, and Governor, Carnahan was a staunch advocate for working families, public schools and children. He championed bipartisan initiatives that increased funding to schools while requiring more accountability, expanded health insurance to cover more uninsured Missouri children, and spearheaded an Urban Violence Reduction Taskforce to protect children and their families.

NEA President Chase was in Missouri last week, talking to reporters and Missouri NEA members about Gov. Carnahan's outstanding education record. "Missouri educators and parents were ardent supporters of Gov. Carnahan," said Chase. "He has left a proud legacy for his state and the nation. The nation's educators will miss his leadership, wisdom, and compassion. We offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.