Education Minnesota endorses Mark Dayton for governor
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ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 12, 2010: Education Minnesota today announced that the 70,000-member educators union is endorsing Mark Dayton for governor of Minnesota. The union’s Political Action Committee board voted overwhelmingly to back Dayton.
“We are pleased and excited to support Mark Dayton for governor,” said Education Minnesota Vice President Paul Mueller. “He’s a longtime friend of education. He’s been a teacher. He knows the challenges educators face. And he understands the future prosperity of Minnesota depends on an unwavering commitment to quality public education.”
Of the remaining candidates in the governor’s race, Dayton’s views on education stood out, Mueller said. As the primary election campaign unfolded, Dayton clearly outlined an education position that included fully funding Minnesota classrooms, something none of the remaining candidates has done. The Education Minnesota PAC board felt the endorsement choice was obvious, Mueller said.
“The system of funding education in Minnesota is broken,” Mueller said. “Schools should not have to rely on property tax levies to provide basic classroom needs. Minnesota needs an education funding system that is equitable, sustainable, predictable and sufficient in order to provide our children with a world class education. Mark has made it perfectly clear that is his top priority.”
Mueller also noted Dayton’s commitment to education goes beyond K-12, and also includes more funding for critical early childhood development programs. He also wants to make higher education more affordable for middle-class Minnesota families. “Mark Dayton will be a great leader and a great education governor for Minnesota,” Mueller said.
Education Minnesota’s endorsement means the union will work on Dayton’s behalf in several ways, including informing and mobilizing members in support of his campaign.
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota represents 70,000 professionals working together for excellence in education for all students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and educational support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
August 13, 2010