WEA Eastern Washington

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“It also means closing outdated, ineffective tax loopholes so we can raise the revenue to fully fund schools AND protect important social and health services!”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“It also means closing outdated, ineffective tax loopholes so we can raise the revenue to fully fund schools AND protect important social and health services!”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!