Richie Neal endorsed by American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts
Contact: Kate Norton, 617-838-6083, press@nealforcongress.com
SPRINGFIELD – Congressman Richie Neal has been endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts in his re-election effort representing the First Congressional District.
"Since his days as a high school teacher, Congressman Neal has always been a champion for students and educators. He understands the deep commitment teachers have to their students, and approaches the issues with a firm dedication to the needs of working people and our communities," said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. "In Congress, he's leading the fight for the economic relief and investments that students and educators need. From increasing broadband connectivity and ensuring access to PPE, to protecting workers' pensions and providing the federal aid we need to adequately fund public schools, Congressman Neal is fighting for our communities every day. AFT Massachusetts is proud to endorse him for reelection."
“Public education is the backbone of our nation and our district,” said Congressman Neal. “The lessons learned in the classroom carry over to real life, and the impact of teachers on young students molds a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. We need to strengthen and expand our public schools, understanding the vast importance that such an education can bring.”
Congressman Neal is a long-time lecturer at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and a former Trustee at Mount Holyoke College. He is a National Trustee of John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. Additional recent efforts by Congressman Neal during the 116th Congress:
H.R.2315 Keep Our PACT Act (co-sponsor) – Fully funds part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
H.R.943 Never Again Education Act (co-sponsor) – Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities to carry out educational programs about the Holocaust, and for other purposes.
H.R.865 Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2019 (co-sponsor) – Provides for the long-term improvement of public school facilities, and for other purposes.
The AFT Massachusetts, a strong voice for collaborative education reform that is good for students and fair to educators, represents more than 23,000 public school employees, higher education faculty and staff, and public librarians. Local unions affiliated with AFT Massachusetts in Western Massachusetts include the Pittsfield Federation of School Employees, the Springfield Federation of Paraprofessionals, the West Springfield Public Library Employees Association, and nurses at the Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.