NEA endorses Dr. Kim Schrier for US Congress
NEA has endorsed Dr. Kim Schrier to fill the open seat in the 8th Congressional District, which stretches from east King and Pierce counties across Snoqualmie Pass through Wenatchee and up to Chelan.
Schrier is a strong supporter of public education and educators: “My mother was a public elementary school teacher, my son is a public school student, and my entire education has been public, including college and medical school. I am grateful for that. Our children all deserve access to an excellent public education, regardless of ZIP Code.”
Her opponent, Republican state Senator Dino Rossi, has a long history attacking the rights and financial security of WEA members. Rossi wrote the state budget that first eliminated the voter approved cost-of-living adjustments for school employees, a move that premanently cost educators millions of dollars in lost compensation.
Rossi also voted against collective bargaining rights for university faculty members, and Rossi opposed anti-bullying legislation. In 2017, Rossi helped write the horrible Senate Republican education package that WEA members successfully opposed. Rossi’s legislation limited the freedom to negotiate fair pay, called for paying teachers based on student test scores and promoted Betsy DeVos-style school privatization policies.
If Schrier beats Rossi, she could help change control in Congress.
From The Seattle Times: "The 8th District contest to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, is one of two dozen or so contested races that will decide whether Democrats or Republicans control the House of Representatives next year. A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena College found the race is in a statistical tie.”