FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008
Former Lieutenant Governor Bill Ratliff & Education Community Endorse Valinda
A proven champion of Texas public schools, students and educators
Endorsed by: Former Lieutenant Governor Bill Ratliff, Education Austin, Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers
Supported By: Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE)
(Austin) – State Representative Valinda Bolton received overwhelming support from the education community. As a staunch supporter of public schools, Rep. Bolton has helped win small increases in teacher pay and voted to phase out the TAKS test in high school.
“Valinda Bolton is a strong supporter of public education,” said former Lt. Governor Bill Ratliff. “The Texas school accountability system needs reform. If we are to accurately recognize the progress schools are making and improve student performance, then we need good people like Valinda to continue serving in the Texas House.”
Lieutenant Governor Ratliff served as a Texas State Senator from 1988 to 2004, and as Lieutenant Governor of Texas from 2000 to 2003.
“During her first term in the Legislature, Representative Valinda Bolton quickly proved to be a great champion of Texas public schools, students and educators,” said Rita Haecker, President of Texas State Teacher Association (TSTA). “We need to re-elect Valinda so she can continue working hard for great public schools for every child in Texas.”
Since 1880, TSTA has fought for strong public schools. TSTA is affiliated with the National Education Association, whose 3.2 million members teach our children and prepare them to enter the workforce.
“I’m proud to stand up for our children and educators,” said Representative Valinda Bolton. “I am committed to ensuring that each child receives a quality public education in Texas and that teachers and support staff receive competitive salaries.”
“Educators are backing Valinda for re-election because she showed us in her first term that she understands the important role our public schools play in our community,” said Education Austin President, Louis Malfaro. “She remains ready to roll up her sleeves and go to work on behalf of public school children, the teachers and school staff who educate them.”
Education Austin is home to nearly 4,000 Austin members. They are Austin area teachers, librarians, counselors, certified and classified employees.
Valinda Bolton was elected in 2006 and served with distinction in the 80th Legislative session. Representative Bolton was awarded the 2007 Freshman of the Year Award by the Legislative Study Group for her commitment and dedication to sound public policy for Texas families.
Guided by her experience, strength of character and faith, Valinda came to the House of Representatives and listened to all sides, stood firmly for the best interests of the people of her district and Texas, and worked across partisan lines to find common ground to meet the challenges facing Texas.
As a freshman legislator she authored 18 pieces of legislation and successfully guided 6 bills through the legislative process and into law.