On Wednesday, dozens of local and statewide education leaders acknowledged Wendy Davis' strong stand for Texas children and quality education by announcing their support for Davis' reelection to the Texas Senate in District 10.
Statewide endorsements came from the United Educators Association, Texas State Teachers Association, and Texas AFT. Locally, Davis received support from school board members across Tarrant County, including the presidents of Fort Worth and Arlington ISDs, the two largest school districts in Tarrant County.
Fort Worth ISD President T.A. Sims was unequivocal in his support for Davis. "Senator Davis is the strongest advocate Texas schools and students have in the Texas Senate," said Sims.
The endorsements come at a time when administrators and teachers are more concerned than ever about having the tools necessary to provide high quality education for local children. Budget writers in Austin slashed $5.4 billion from education funding in 2011. Davis' opponent, Mark Shelton, supported the attack on public schools.
In the closing hours of the 82nd Legislature, Davis filibustered legislation to block the assault on schools. Despite Davis' successful filibuster, literally running out the clock on the 82nd Legislature, Governor Perry immediately called a special session, making the education cuts a priority.
"I'm proud of our fight against that legislation," said Davis. "It weakens our public schools and harms our children. The bill not only robbed our children of opportunity, it killed jobs and hurt family breadwinners. Texas teachers and other educators are the first line of defense when it comes to ensuring our state stays competitive in a global economy," said Davis. "If we want to bring jobs to the state, we have to have an educated workforce. Teachers are in classrooms making sure that happens."
Indeed, Senator Davis has been a thorn in Perry's side since she came to the legislature in 2009. Davis has proven to be a continued and effective force fighting for public education, including her admirable filibuster of the Republican budget cutting $4 billion from our public schools. In 2011, she argued for the use of the $6 billion Rainy Day Fund to help retain jobs for teachers in the state and keep classrooms from becoming overcrowded and less productive. Texas is ranked 49th in funding for public education, and we desperately need fighters like Wendy Davis. Davis is fighting the Perry/Dewhurst assault on Texas schoolchildren and teachers, and educators have taken notice. Congratulations to Senator Davis, and we pray she can continue to fight the good fight against an increasingly right-wing legislature.
