National Education Association represents more than three million educators and allies, including 40,000 Coloradans
COLORADO – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper announced that the National Education Association (NEA), including the Colorado Education Association (CEA), endorsed his reelection campaign. NEA represents three million educators and education professionals nationwide and includes CEA, which is the largest union of educators in the state of Colorado, with nearly 40,000 K-12 teachers and other education support professionals.
“Public education is the best investment we can make in the future of our country,” said Hickenlooper. “Washington has long underinvested in our public education system. Now this administration has launched new attacks to dismantle it. We stand with this coalition of educators, staff, and students to push back on the Trump admin’s onslaught on our teachers and students.”
“Senator John Hickenlooper is a staunch advocate for working families and a trusted partner in ensuring that every Colorado student – regardless of their background, race, or ZIP code – has access to great public schools,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Sen. Hickenlooper supports expanding learning opportunities for students and will stand against those who want to divert critical resources away from the public schools that serve 90 percent of students through their voucher schemes. We look forward to continuing to work together to deliver results for students, educators, and communities across Colorado. The National Education Association is proud to recommend John Hickenlooper for U.S. Senate.”
NEA’s endorsement adds to the strong support Hickenlooper has secured from labor organizations, leading Colorado voices, and national progressive groups. He’s backed by Pipefitters Local 208, the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association (CPFF), SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 9, AFSCME, Western States Carpenters, Reproductive Freedom for All, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NRDC Action, Brady PAC, GIFFORDS PAC, End Citizens United and Let America Vote, League of Conservation Voters Action Fund and Conservation Colorado, and 314 Action.
As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Hickenlooper has fought to make sure every child has the opportunity to succeed at every age. He’s introduced legislation to increase federal investments for child care programs and bring down the cost of higher education by expanding loan repayment programs and allowing borrowers to refinance at a lower rate.
Hickenlooper has pushed back against the Trump admin’s senseless attacks on our public education system. He voted against Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Education. He called out the administration’s effort to block nearly $7 billion in funding for K-12 schools and withhold $70 million in Title II, III, and IV funding for teacher training and after-school programs in Colorado’s schools.
As the Mayor of Denver, Hickenlooper created the Denver Preschool Program and worked to expand access to affordable and high-quality early childhood education. As Governor, he launched statewide youth apprenticeship initiatives, such as CareerWise Colorado, to create statewide apprenticeship opportunities to prepare students for high-paying, competitive jobs at Colorado companies.
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