RA 2013 Olympia Rally
Wearing red and accompanied by the WEA Labor Chorus, more than 1,000 WEA members rallied on the steps of the capitol
in Olympia Saturday morning.
Gov. Jay Inslee and dozens of legislators joined them. The focus: Funding smaller class sizes and restoring educator cost-of-living adjustments.
In her opening rally remarks, WEA President Mary Lindquist said:
“We’re here in Olympia on the capitol steps to advocate for our students, our schools and our future. Our rally highlights our collective commitment to quality public schools for EVERY child, no matter where they live and regardless of their family background.
“And that means the Legislature simply must fund smaller class sizes and educator pay by restoring the voter-approved cost-of-living adjustments for teachers, education support professionals and community and technical college instructors.
“It also means closing outdated, ineffective tax loopholes so we can raise the revenue to fully fund schools AND protect important social and health services!”
Governor Jay Inslee addressed the crowd, telling us that the McCleary decision must be implemented “and that means the Legislature simply must fund smaller class sizes and educator pay by restoring the voter-approved cost-of-living adjustments for teachers, education support professionals and community and technical college instructors.
“It also means closing outdated, ineffective tax loopholes so we can raise the revenue to fully fund schools AND protect important social and health services!”
Two newly elected Representatives, Teachers Monica Stonier and Steve Bergquist also told us that they would “straighten out” their fellow legislators and tell them how classroom work does not end when your students leave for the day. Their comments drew appreciative applause from their fellow educators!
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Getting off the bus in Olympia - Cindie Webb (Davenport EA), Melissa Martin (Mead EA), and Cathy Comar (West Valley EA) |
Cindie Webb (Davenport) and Melissa Martin (Mead) getting in the spirit of the rally. |
Central Valley EA members waiting to hear the legislators speak at the rally. |
The ladies rallying for full funding of Public Education in Washington State. |
Toby Doolittle (Mead EA) enthusiastically supports the restoring of our COLAs. |
Lisa Smith and Cheryl Demke (Deer Park EA) getting ready for the rally. |
Mary Lindquist, outgoing WEA President, addresses the crowd at the rally. |
Governor Inslee also addresses the rally. |