American Federation of Teachers Michigan Endorses Jocelyn Benson for Governor
Today, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Michigan, representing 35,000 Michiganders, endorsed Jocelyn Benson for governor. A former educator and the daughter of special education teachers, Benson is running on a plan to make Michigan’s public schools the best in the nation.
“Jocelyn Benson knows exactly what the challenges we are facing in our classrooms because she’s lived them — as the daughter of special education teachers, a former educator, and a proud member of AFT,” said AFT Michigan President Terrence Martin. “Jocelyn has laid out a bold, comprehensive vision to make Michigan’s public schools the best in the country, including raising starting teacher pay, expanding support services, and ensuring every student is prepared for success. Just as importantly, she’s committed to making sure educators and healthcare workers have a real seat at the table in Lansing. That’s why AFT Michigan is proud to endorse Jocelyn Benson for governor.”
“I’m deeply honored to have the support of AFT Michigan and the educators they represent across Michigan,” said Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. “As a proud AFT member, this endorsement means so much to me — especially because AFT Michigan was one of the first unions to believe in me and support my campaign for Secretary of State. I grew up in the classroom watching my parents who were special education teachers fight every day for their students and the resources they need. I’ve carried that fight with me throughout my career, and as governor, I’ll make sure educators have a voice, are respected, and have the resources they need to help every student thrive.”
As Governor, Jocelyn would support Michigan’s kids from birth through graduation — preparing young Michiganders to compete with young people from top-performing education systems across the country and globe. Her education plan features five pillars:
Pillar 1: Establish a world-class education for every Michigan child
Pillar 2: Recruit, pay, and keep great educators
Pillar 3: Start strong – Birth through Pre-K
Pillar 4: Fund schools equitably, efficiently, and transparently
Pillar 5: Make the system work together
AFT Michigan is the latest to join a growing coalition of state and local leaders, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations supporting Benson to be Michigan’s next governor including the United Auto Workers, the Michigan AFL-CIO, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951, the majority of Michigan Teamsters (including locals 1038, 406, 243, 283, and 247), the Michigan Laborers District Council, the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, the Michigan Nurses Association, UNITE HERE Local 24, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, and the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, among others. You can find a full list of endorsements here.
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