Teachers acknowledge Golden’s support for schools
Georgia Association of Educators endorses Golden for re-election
October 2, 2006 -- Atlanta, GA -- Because of his commitment to support public schools and protect the HOPE Scholarship, state Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta) has again received the endorsement of the 40,000-member Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) in his candidacy for re-election to Senate District 8 in the November 7 general election. Golden was previously endorsed by GAE prior to the July 18 primary.

“Supporting public education is at the top of my priority list in the Senate, so I am gratified by the continued support of our classroom teachers,” Golden said. “We need to continue to work to lower class sizes and continue raising teacher pay. I will continue to push to implement true protections to HOPE Scholarship funding, and restore the funds that have already been cut. I am committed to leading the effort in the Senate on behalf of our students, educators, administrators and local taxpayers to see that the state meets its responsibility to provide quality public education to all Georgians.”

GAE President Jeff Hubbard said, “Our endorsement is based on GAE’s commitment to continue improving Georgia’s public schools. Senator Golden supports the GAE Legislative Priorities, which are created and approved by our members each year. These priorities include a commitment to stand up for those on education’s front line by working to: attract and retain a quality teacher in every classroom; enhance education programs for greater student achievement; ensure schools and buses are safe; include all public school employees in the state’s whistleblower-protection legislation; provide quality comprehensive health care benefits, salary increases and improved retirement benefits; adopt a fair evaluation system; prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow; and restore education funding cuts so our students can continue to succeed.”