Atlanta, GA - Michael Coles today received the endorsement of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) at a press conference held in front of the now closed S.R. Young Elementary School. Coles received the endorsement from Essie Stewart Johnson, president of the 33,000 member Georgia Association of Educators. At the press conference, Ms Johnson stated, “As educators who are involved in helping to shape the future of public education in Georgia, GAE strongly believes that men like Michael Coles will be a strong ally in that battle and is the best person to meet the challenges that face public education in the new millenium.” GAE President Johnson also discussed the many reasons why Michael Coles will be a strong ally of public in the United States Senate while Paul Coverdell has not. Among her points, she noted that:
- Coles supports increasing the availability of kindergarten and fully funding Headstart.
- Coverdell voted to decrease federal assistance for education in Georgia by $1.1 million.
- Coles supports helping students obtain loans and financial assistance to attend college.
- Coverdell voted to cut $800 million in financial aid to Georgia college students.
- Coles supports providing federal tax-free bonds to Georgia schools to be used for school construction and renovation.
- Coverdell voted against providing federal assistance to local school districts for construction and renovation.
Accepting the endorsement of Georgia’s teachers, Coles stated, “With 90 percent of our nation’s children in public schools, it is essential that we empower teachers with the tools they need to prepare our children for the future.” “This is not a partisan issue, this is about our children who are the future of our state and our nation. This is about: raising standards for both teachers and students; decreasing class sizes so that children can receive the kind of attention they deserve; and making sure that our children go to school in buildings that are safe and permanent. In the United States Senate, I will fight to ensure that Georgia’s children continue to receive a strong education so that they are able to go as far as their talent and hard work will take them.” # # # |
