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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2002

News Release

FEC Clears NEA

Washington, D.C. - The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) has cleared the National Education Association (NEA) and closed the file on a frivolous complaint filed by the right-wing Landmark Legal Foundation.

In a letter sent on September 6, 2002, the FEC said the Commission would "take no action against NEA" and that it would close the file.

The complaint incorrectly alleged the NEA was using dues dollars to make contributions to candidates for public office.

"The NEA's political activities have always been within the letter and spirit of the law," said NEA President Reg Weaver. "Our actions will remain part of a strong tradition in America of giving a voice to the hard-working men and women of this country. We will not be deterred by these frivolous, disingenuous allegations."

The National Education Association supports candidates who support children and public education through mobilizing its members, discussing education issues and giving direct contributions to candidates from The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, a political action committee that is funded through voluntary contributions from NEA members.

"This is a victory for working families everywhere," said Weaver. "Attempts by any group to silence the voices of the working men and women of this country will hopefully continue to be stopped by our legal system.

"Any group primarily funded by right-wing extremists who are out of touch with America's working families, wastes valuable taxpayer dollars with these false accusations," Weaver said. "It's my goal to get everyone focused on making public schools great for every child."

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