Press Room
Maryland Educators Endorse Chris Van Hollen for U.S. Senate
MSEA Calls Van Hollen “Difference Maker” on Education
Today the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA)—the 72,000-member state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA)—will announce the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education’s endorsement of Chris Van Hollen for Maryland’s open Senate seat.
“Chris is a progressive policy difference maker,” said MSEA President Betty Weller. “He’s the champion you want leading the fight on the toughest and most important issues. Whether it was passing Maryland’s nationally-recognized school funding formula as a state senator or moving the landmark Every Student Succeeds Act through a gridlocked Congress, Chris has always gotten big victories for working families at every stage of his public service.
“I’m honored to have the support of MSEA. They fight every day on behalf of students and educators. And there’s nothing more essential for our future success — as individuals, as families, and as a nation — than investing in a quality education for every child,” said Chris Van Hollen. “Together, we will work to expand educational opportunities from pre-K through affordable college and job training in the United States Senate.”
Van Hollen has always made educational equity and quality a top priority as a lawmaker. As Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, he included President Obama’s plan for universal pre-K in his budget and continues to fight for increased investment in Head Start. He has led the effort to pass the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act, which would create a fiscally responsible path to fully fund Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act state grants on a mandatory basis. In 2002, as a state senator, Van Hollen helped break a legislative stalemate to pass the historic Thornton Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act, increasing public school funding by record numbers and ensuring more equitable resources for every student.
The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, the NEA’s national political action committee, provides direct financial support to candidates for president, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate who will fight to support teachers, staff, and students and improve public education. MSEA—the state affiliate of NEA—represents more than 72,000 educators, making it the largest union and professional association in Maryland. MSEA members are a well-known presence on Election Day, as thousands mobilize to promote endorsed candidates at polling places across Maryland with the Apple Ballot.