NJEA Endorses Wyka

by: Wyka press office

Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:56:30 PM EDT

The NJEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association. NJEA has a local affiliate in every school district in New Jersey, almost all of them the leg ally recognized bargaining agent for that district's teachers. NJEA also has local affiliates in most of New Jersey's county colleges and in several of the state colleges.

Wyka says, "NJEA has given me a great honor by endorsing me in the Democratic primary and now in the general election. It's risky for them to endorse a challenger to an entrenched incumbent. However, the NJEA knows that I am committed to education, and they've seen some of the votes that my opponent has cast in Congress. For example, in 2006 he voted for the 'Raid on Student Aid,' which cut $12.7 billion from federal student aid programs. The proponents of that bill claimed they were doing it to reduce the deficit, but at the same time they were planning to cancel out those savings with a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, especially those with incomes of over $1 million per year. My opponent seems to be out of touch with the needs of ordinary people in this district, most of whom find it difficult to afford a college education for their children.

"A strong educational system is absolutely essential to our future prosperity. Our children need a good education in order to be able to function in the workforce and as citizens. Unfortunately, the No Child Left Behind act has not lived up to its promises. We must pass the No Child Left Behind Improvement Act (HR 648), which would close serious holes in that flawed program, and make it work for our children as opposed to working against them. We must also provide better financial aid and lower interest rates on student loans, so that our young people are not burdened by a crushing load of debt upon graduation."

www.tomwyka.com