Head of the Class: NYSUT Endorses Murphy for Reelection

From Senator Terrence Murphy:

YORKTOWN, NY - For many families in the Hudson Valley, the allure of superior public schools is a motivating factor when relocating to the area. Senator Terrence Murphy, who sends his three kids to public schools, understands firsthand the importance of receiving a quality education. On Monday, the New York Sate United Teachers (NYSUT) formally endorsed the freshman Senator due to his commitment to protecting and enhancing New York's public education system.

"It is an incredible honor to be endorsed by NYSUT," Murphy said. "Having a thirteen-year-old, twelve-year-old and six-year-old, I saw firsthand the glaring failure of the flawed Common Core curriculum right at my kitchen table. Yes, we all want higher standards but one size does not fit all and that is the art of these great teachers to know which kids can excel and which kids need some extra help."

Murphy was joined by Ray Drach of the White Plains Teachers' Association, Miriam Longobardi, President of the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers, Brenda O'Shea of the Somers Faculty Association, Sean Kennedy, President of the Yorktown Congress of Teachers and NYSUT Board of Directors and Maureen Warren of the Bedford Teachers Association and the NYSUT Political Action Coordinator.

Mrs. Warren said, "From Common Core, to APPR to restoring the GEA, Senator Murphy has had an open door policy to listen to our teachers and has been a fantastic partner to have on our side. We appreciate his hard work and look forward to having him in Albany for another two years."

In addition to Senator Murphy's outspoken opposition to the Common Core, which included introducing the Parental Refusal Act, Senator Murphy also aggressively perused the full restoration of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) which led to the largest delivery of state aid to public schools in New York's history. Statewide, $24.2 billion was delivered in this year's budget.

NYSUT's prestigious endorsement solidifies Murphy's relationship with local labor. Last week, the New York State Operating Engineers, the New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, the Yonkers PBA and the Supreme Court Officers Association joined an impressive team of supporters for Murphy's reelection bid. The New York State AFL-CIO, New York State Nurses Association, CSEA and the Utility Workers of America Local 1-2 have also formally endorsed the freshman Senator.

Photo via Senator Terrence Murphy.