Broad-based Coalition Supports Leadership on Education, Inclusion and Economy.

The Austin for Michigan campaign released today a roster of organizational endorsements of his re-election campaign that reflect his broad support and deep contributions to build Michigan’s economy, educate its people and protect the interests of diverse constituencies.

“I work to bring people together to create paths to opportunity through education, and make sure we as a state are sending strong messages of welcoming and inclusion to all our talent.  I am gratified that the state’s leaders and organizations representing a range of sectors and constituencies are supporting my re-election to the State Board of Education.”

Austin’s endorsements reflect an unprecedented and broad-based coalition with stake in his continuing elected leadership.   Official endorsements and political contributors to his campaign include: the leaders and leadership organizations of  Michigan’s K-12 and higher education system,  labor and Business CEO’s , small business owners, environmentalists, and Michigan’s venture capital and innovation community. Austin has also been endorsed by statewide associations of  Nurses, Social Workers, Educators , Attorneys, and Michigan’s African-American, Latino, Arab-American, Muslim, LGBT and other ethnic communities.

“I am proud that my support reflects the needed partners in growing our economy, and  the great diversity of our Michigan family.  By pulling together and working together, we can remake the Michigan Dream for a new era --creating the jobs of the future,  building ladders of opportunity through education and higher education, and making Michigan a model of welcoming and tolerance.”

Endorsing organizations:
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• American Federation of Teachers – Michigan
• Arab-American Political Action Committee
• The Black Slate
• Fanny Lou Hamer PAC
• Friends of School Nurses Michigan Association of School Nurses
• Equality Michigan PAC
• Emerge PAC - Muslim- American Political Action Committee
• Huron Valley Central Labor Federation
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
• Michigan Elementary and Secondary School Principals
• Michigan Democrats for Education Reform
• Michigan AFL-CIO
• SAPAC (Political Action Committee of the Michigan School Administrators Association)
• Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council
• Michigan Service Employees Union of America
• Michigan Spanish Speaking Democrats
• Michigan Education Association
• Michigan Education Partners (Michigan Independent Colleges Association)
• Michigan Justice PAC
• Michigan State Building Trades
• Michigan Speech and Hearing Association
• National Association of Social Workers
• Michigan Teachers and Allies for Change (M-TAC)
• Oakland Educators PAC
• Organization of Michigan School Administrators and Supervisors
• SMART Sheet Metal Workers
• United Auto Workers
• West Michigan Educators PAC

​LANSING--Joining Special Education Advocates, Legislators and Lt. Governor Brian Calley at a rally on the Capitol Steps in Lansing, State Board of Education President John Austin called for better treatment and more investment to meet the unique learning needs of Michigan’s special education students.
 
“Michigan must keep up the momentum for the necessary investment and reforms to our special education system to ensure every student gets the education they deserve,” said Austin.
 
Austin applauded the work of the task force chaired by Lt. Governor Brian Calley, which included State Board of Education colleagues Michelle Fecteau and Eileen Weiser. “The Special Education Reform Task Force gave us a roadmap for how we can improve learning opportunities and respect the rights and dignity of our special education students,” said Austin.  “Our job now is to implement their recommendations.”  Austin promised to join the Lieutenant Governor in advocacy for new legislation ending seclusion and restraint and work with the State Superintendent to ensure the Michigan Department of Education carried forward other reforms called for by the Commission.
 
“I appreciate the partnership with the State Board of Education to improve our special education system and services,” said Lt. Governor Brian Calley, who also addressed the rally.  “Working together we can help every child reach their full potential.”
 
Austin also noted that those states with the highest educational performance are also states that invest more in students with the greatest learning needs, including special education. “Michigan must overhaul its school finance model to provide more support for the students who have the furthest to travel, and who need the most intensive teacher support. I am committed to use every avenue, including the Governor’s 21st Century Education Commission on which I sit, to promote investments to ensure we meet the learning needs of all  students, including our special education students, and put Michigan back where we belong— the best educated state.”
 
Austin noted the recent adequacy study conducted for the State recommended the kind of differential funding model he is advocating, with more money per pupil for students in poverty, non-English learners and special education students.