MEA Votes

Public education institutions are probably the most political of any in this country. Why? You may ask.

Public education becomes very political because every decision made within and about education is made by someone elected or appointed by someone who is elected. Thus, MEA is involved in politics to protect and to fight for its members and the children who attend public schools.

How does MEA impact the future for our students and our members? By being involved in the political process. And by influencing the policy makers who make the decisions that impact our members’ working conditions and requirements, as well as our students learning conditions and requirements.

In the current session of the State Legislature, MEA has helped elect 19 recommended State Senators and 73 State Representatives. These recommended legislators include both Democrats and Republicans. Because of member recommendations of these men and women, MEA lobbyists are able to influence them regarding education and education employee issues.

The successes of this current legislative session were based on the ability of MEA lobbyists -- with members’ help -- to influence legislation on:

- outsourcing
- third grade reading requirements
- teacher certification
- mandatory attendance age
- promise zones
- retiree re-employment and
- education funding at all levels.

MEA PAC funds go to pro-public education candidates to fund their campaigns. Law prohibits the use of dues money to be used for such campaigns. In order to help support our candidates we must do it with volunteer PAC contributions.

Give to your local PAC today. For every dollar you give to MEA PAC, 40 cents is returned to your local coordinating council PAC to support local candidates.

By Linda Myers, MEA Government Affairs