Amy Kennedy Endorsed by New Jersey Education Association
Amy Kennedy Endorsed by New Jersey Education Association
Brigantine, NJ — Today, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) announced its endorsement of Amy Kennedy, former public school teacher and mental health advocate, for New Jersey’s second congressional district.
“As a former public school teacher, a product of South Jersey public schools and the daughter of educators, I’m honored to have earned the support of my fellow educators and advocates. In Congress, it will be my privilege to stand up for educators across the district who do tireless work on behalf of our children and families every day,” said Kennedy.
The NJEA is the largest public employees’ union in New Jersey and a major force in state politics. NJEA PAC has also recommended Kennedy for endorsement by the National Education Association’s (NEA) Fund for Children and Public Education.
“Our members know an advocate when they see one, and that’s what they see in Amy Kennedy.” Said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “Her commitment both to public schools and to the students and working families who rely on them will serve New Jersey well when she represents us in Congress. I know that Amy will keep the promises made to educators and make sure that at the end of their careers, New Jersey’s public school employees can count on retirement benefits we earn during a long career of service. She is the leader that CD2 needs in these challenging times.”
The NJEA works to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote a quality system of public education for all students.
The endorsement of Kennedy by the NJEA continues the momentum behind her bid for Congress, building on her endorsement by CWA, her decisive win at the Atlantic County Democratic Convention, and a public poll showing her as the clear frontrunner in the race with a strong fundraising advantage heading toward the July 7th primary.
The PAC released the following statement:
The New Jersey Education Association’s 125-member political action committee (NJEA PAC) has voted to endorse Amy Kennedy for Congress in New Jersey’s second congressional district (CD2). That vote was based on the recommendations of a screening committee made up of NJEA members in CD2. Kennedy is a former teacher and NJEA member in Northfield (Atlantic County). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Environmental Education from Nova Southeastern University. Since her teaching career, she has focused on mental health issues and education.
“Our members know an advocate when they see one, and that’s what they see in Amy Kennedy.” Said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “Her commitment both to public schools and to the students and working families who rely on them will serve New Jersey well when she represents us in Congress. I know that Amy will keep the promises made to educators and make sure that at the end of their careers, New Jersey’s public school employees can count on retirement benefits we earn during a long career of service. She is the leader that CD2 needs in these challenging times.”
“I am proud of the decision our members made to endorse Amy Kennedy,” said NJEA Vice President Sean M. Spiller. “As an educator herself, she understands the day-to-day challenges faced by NJEA members and she shares our commitment to keeping our public schools strong and successful. She will be an outstanding advocate for students and educators and we look forward to helping her win this election.”
“The next Congress is going to have the very challenging task of leading our nation out of a pandemic and rebuilding our economy,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beatty. “Amy Kennedy understands that when you invest in people and communities – and especially in public education – you build the foundation for a fairer and more resilient society.”
Kennedy enthusiastically accepted the endorsement of her fellow educators. “As a former public school teacher, a product of South Jersey public schools and the daughter of educators, I’m honored to have earned the support of my fellow educators and advocates,” said Kennedy. “In Congress, it will be my privilege to stand up for the women and men across the country who do tireless work on behalf of our children and families every day.”
NJEA PAC has also recommended Kennedy for endorsement by the National Education Association’s (NEA) Fund for Children and Public Education.
