MEA to host fundraiser to benefit House Republican Caucus
EAST LANSING, Mich., May 29, 2008 – MEA members will join top House Republican leaders at a first-of-its-kind reception June 4 to benefit the House Republican Caucus.
Minority Leader Craig DeRoche, Minority Floor Leader Chris Ward and Assistant Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer will join other Republican leaders at the fundraiser, one of the first major events for MEA members of the 2008 campaign.
“The students that our MEA members serve and our members themselves need a voice in the election process,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters. “We will support candidates who believe public education is a top legislative priority. We’re involved because our students need us to be involved.”
The June 4 event is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the MEA’s East Lansing headquarters, 1216 Kendale Blvd. MEA members are invited to attend at no charge.
All members of the House Republican caucus have been invited to attend.
The event is unique for MEA, which hasn’t held an on-site fundraiser to benefit a legislative caucus.
“We want our legislative leaders to come talk to us about the issues that are important to MEA members and Michigan’s children,” said Ed Sarpolus, who heads MEA’s lobbying and legislative efforts. “We want to work with them. Education is an important issue to people across the political spectrum and we need to work with Republican and Democratic lawmakers.”
MEA plans to host additional receptions with other legislative caucuses in the future.
The June 4 event is paid for by MEA-PAC, a political action committee funded with voluntary donations from school employees who are members of MEA. MEA members’ dues do not fund MEA-PAC.
Contributions to the House Republican Campaign Committee are welcome from attendees but not necessary. MEA members who want to attend should RSVP by June 2 to Jennifer Tobel at 517-337-5465, or jtobel@mea.org.
CONTACT: Ed Sarpolus, Director of Government Affairs, 517-927-9776