NJEA endorses Corzine

Powell cites his strong leadership and
commitment to public education

"When it comes to this state's commitment to public education, Jon Corzine gets it."

With those words, New Jersey Education Association President Joyce Powell announced last night's unanimous endorsement of Governor Jon S. Corzine by NJEA's political action committee.

NJEA's 200,000 teachers, school employees, retired educators, and higher education employees will be active supporters of Corzine, Powell predicted. "Our members understand that Governor Corzine's positions on the issues that matter to them, and to the students they educate, are exemplary. They also know he's been a strong leader in very difficult times," Powell added.

"Despite governing during one of the most challenging periods in recent New Jersey history, Governor Corzine has been a steadfast advocate for great public schools," Powell said. "When it came time to balance the state's books, he's made some hard decisions that will benefit New Jersey down the road."

"Most importantly, Governor Corzine refused to cut public K-12 education spending, even while reducing state spending by seven billion dollars, because he understands that strong public schools are the engine for jump-starting our economy," Powell said.

Powell pointed to the $300 million in additional education spending that Corzine inserted in next year's state budget as proof that the Governor "understands that New Jersey's children don't get to vote, and that it's up to the adults to protect their opportunity for a quality education."

During his first term, Corzine has increased education funding by more than $1.8 billion, and expanded the state's preschool program "a key factor in helping to close the achievement gap between urban and suburban students."

NJEA's 125-member PAC Operating Committee unanimously endorsed Corzine after weighing his record on a range of educational issues and determining that he had made significant progress in implementing the progressive, pro-public education agenda he ran on in 2005.

"Governor Corzine recognizes the importance of investing in public education and has taken important steps in that direction," Powell said. "He has begun a much-needed expansion of New Jersey's public preschool programs. In addition, his administration has committed significant resources to school renovation and construction, which will benefit students by providing them with safe, modern facilities and which will help New Jersey by providing jobs in this difficult economic climate."

"The Governor has also started the state down a road toward responsible pension funding practices, which reverses a decade of neglect in that area," Powell said. "He has worked with educators to control long-term pension and benefit costs while keeping New Jersey an attractive place to work."

"No single person will be able to reverse the impact of the worldwide financial crisis on New Jersey, but no individual is better qualified to lead the state during this difficult time than Jon Corzine," Powell said.

NJEA's PAC operating committee is made up of educators from across the state. The committee evaluates candidates for office based on interviews, questionnaires, public statements and voting records and endorses candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to high quality public education for every student in New Jersey.