Minnesotans voted for fully funding their public schools, electing a pro-public education governor and majorities in House and Senate
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Nov. 9, 2022 – Minnesotans voted for the safe, welcoming and fully funded public schools our students deserve in 2022 by electing a pro-public education governor and majorities in the House and Senate, said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota.
“Minnesotans voted for a vision of Minnesota in which everyone has the freedom to send their children to fully funded public schools, no matter their race or ZIP code,” Specht said. “Today, the mandate is clear for the governor and the leadership of the House and Senate to come together and pass the multi-billion-dollar investment in public schools needed to provide every student with the personal attention from their educators, a healthy learning environment and access to world-class educators in every classroom. The voters – and educators – of Minnesota expect nothing less.”
Specht said Minnesota’s educators worked harder on this year’s campaign than any midterm election she could remember.
“Thousands of educators took time away from their personal lives to talk to colleagues before and after school to make sure they understood the stakes and the candidates. Many reached out to their communities to knock on doors, make calls and deliver literature,” she said. “We did it even though many of us were exhausted. From Rochester to the Red River, educators are frustrated by the lack of resources for our students – from understaffed schools, to shortages of mental health counselors, to the lack of classes like technical education. The only way forward is electing leaders who share our vision for what public education and the education profession can be, making the wealthiest corporations start paying what they truly owe in taxes, and holding the politicians accountable for providing the schools our students deserve. That work starts today.”
Specht noted that all the union’s endorsed candidates for statewide races won reelection: Walz, Flanagan, Secretary of State Steve Simon, Attorney General Keith Ellison and State Auditor Julie Blaha.
“Our endorsed candidates for statewide office have different jobs but share the same goal of creating a Minnesota where working people can thrive, no matter where they live or what they look like,” Specht said. “We look forward to supporting their work creating a state where everyone feels safe, where corporate power is checked, and Minnesotans can trust their tax dollars are spent properly by their local cities and counties.” Education Minnesota will have a statement later Wednesday about races for school boards and levy referendums.
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education 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.
