Letter to Members
Election 2008: We can shape the future of education
Public education has arrived at a critical
crossroads in Michigan—our schools are
crumbling beneath the weight of budget
deficits that have reduced staff and eliminated
valuable education programs.
But November’s general election gives us the perfect opportunity to redirect the course of education.
To succeed, we must start working today to elect candidates who will provide the support and funding necessary for our students.
We need you to get politically involved, and we need your contributions to MEA-PAC.
The adage we often use—that every decision affecting education is a political decision—still rings true. Every decision that impacts the working lives of teachers and support staff, and the learning environments of our students, is made by elected officials that we vote into office.
After last fall’s state budget debacle, everyone should realize the importance of political involvement. That means more than casting your vote for pro-public education candidates on Election Day. That means getting involved in a campaign in some way, whether for a local school board candidate, a state House candidate or a presidential contender. Stuff envelopes. Make phone calls. Go door to door. Get off the sidelines, and work to get our candidates elected.
Another key to achieving success in Election 2008 will be your contributions to MEA-PAC used to support our recommended candidates.
Let’s double the number of MEA members who contribute to MEA-PAC. We need every local in MEA to conduct a MEA-PAC drive this year. Make your own contribution to MEA-PAC, and bring along five to 10 new contributors, and we will succeed.
We have the collective power to elect true friends of education, Democrats and Republicans, who will stand up for public education and who will stand up for public school employees.
Remember, one out of every 50 citizens in Michigan is either a current or former MEA member. Together—MEA members, our families and friends—we can be the deciding factor in this year’s elections.
The future of public education in Michigan rests in our hands. The work we do now and the decisions we make at the ballot box in November will shape the future of education, and our future, for many years.