As middle class families throughout this state have seen rising costs, increased tolls, state aid cuts, and decreased services, we alone as educators and public employees have been singled out as the cause of all problems.
Never mind that our schools are top in the nation by almost any measurable standard; the time for some was now to label our schools failing and to destroy public education for private profit.
We must work to remind all residents in this state that our schools have afforded them an opportunity at the American dream. Our teachers and support staff work to educate, protect, and parent our students each day.
While we will always work to improve communities where schools do not have the support needed, scapegoating educators for Wall Street gambling and our social failure to raise all residents out of poverty, crime, and minimum-wage jobs will not be accepted.
As we lead this charge, we will continue to stand for the American worker, the middle class family pushing hard to get by, and the public servant, those educating our students as well as those keeping us safe and secure.