Quinn for Illinois

It’s a pleasure to formally announce the IEA recommendation of the ticket of Governor Pat Quinn and Sheila Simon.

Let me talk a little about Pat Quinn.

Governor Quinn is a rare commodity in Illinois politics; he’s an honest elected official who says what he means and means what he says.

And I’ll admit, we haven’t always liked what he’s said.

We’ve had our differences.

But we have never for a moment doubted Pat Quinn’s sincerity when he talked about his belief that public education is important and deserving of support, even in difficult economic times such as we have right now.

Governor Quinn’s election opponent, Senator Brady, also means what he says.

And that’s a problem.

Here’s what Bill Brady said when it came time to stand up for education and students:

When asked to vote on a program to improve low performing schools by providing grants to districts with the lowest achieving students, Bill Brady said, NO!

When he had two chances to vote for expanding school food programs for disadvantaged children, Bill Brady said, NO!

When asked to support a bill that would have allowed credit card rewards to be donated to schools, Bill Brady said, NO! One of only three legislators to do so!

And, when he had a chance to support after-school program grants, reading improvement programs and summer kindergarten programs to improve student readiness, Bill Brady said, NO, NO, NO!

There has never been a more clear choice in an Illinois governor’s race.

Pat Quinn believes in education. He knows education is the key to bringing our state out of the economic doldrums. He’s willing to say publicly that our schools deserve support and that means more revenue.

Pat Quinn will fight for public education and will reject schemes that would divert resources away from the public school classrooms.

And the fact that he chose an educator and outstanding public servant, Sheila Simon, as his running mate, speaks volumes about the importance this governor places on education.

And did I mention that Sheila is an IEA member?

We’re thrilled Sheila is part of the ticket and we look forward to working with her on education policy in the years to come.

So, on behalf of the 133 thousand IEA members throughout Illinois, I am proud to say that the Illinois Education Association recommends Governor Pat Quinn and Sheila Simon for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.