“Gary’s roots are in the public policy issues that matter most to working families,” said Patricia Fusco, a teacher of gifted and talented fifth- and sixth-grade students in West Haven Public Schools. “And he has a record in the legislature supporting equity in education, access to healthcare, and protecting public services. I’m proud that we are standing with him,” said Fusco, who also serves as president of the West Haven Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1547.
Candidates seeking support in the senate race were asked to complete a questionnaire on a series of policy issues important to members of AFT Connecticut’s affiliated unions and their communities. Members of the federation’s legislative and political action committee interviewed Holder-Winfield and reviewed his responses before recommending an endorsement to the executive committee.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of the AFT,” Holder-Winfield said today on the federation’s support of his candidacy. “Connecticut’s teachers work tirelessly to provide our children with the education they need. As a state senator I will continue to fight for all of our teachers,” he said.
Holder-Winfield is serving his sixth year in the legislature as state representative for the 94th Assembly District, which includes Hamden and New Haven. In 2003 he founded QUEST Educational Initiatives to mentor inner-city school teachers, and has worked for the American Association of University Professors Southern Connecticut State University chapter since 2006.
“We believe an endorsement of a political candidate is a reflection of our members’ values,” said Melodie Peters, a former state senator and president of AFT Connecticut. “That’s why we support those who have a real track record and are strongly committed on the issues that matter. And we make sure that candidates we support understand that, once elected, we will hold them accountable,” she said.
AFT Connecticut is a labor federation of 29,000 teachers and school support staff, nurses and healthcare workers, higher education faculty and public service workers from more than 90 local unions throughout the state. Follow the union on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aftct.
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