Wagner picks up VEA endorsement

Democratic lieutenant-governor nominee Jody Wagner was endorsed by the Virginia Education Association at an event in Richmond on Monday.
Speaking to a group of educators attending a roundtable event led by Wagner, Dr. Kitty J. Boitnott, chair of the VEA Fund for Children and Public Education, cited Wagner’s long-standing commitment to public education, saying “We believe Mrs. Wagner’s commitment to public education, when combined with her knowledge of Virginia’ budget, will make her an integral part of the leadership team we need to make public education Virginia’s top priority.”

Said Wagner: “I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Virginia Education Association. As a mother of four, I know the critical role that teachers play in the lives of our children, and I’m humbled to have their support. As both an activist in my community and a member of the Warner and Kaine administrations, I’ve been committed to ensuring that Virginia’s children receive a quality education that provides them with opportunities in the future, and trains them to be competitive in the 21^{st Century economy. I was proud to work with Governors Warner and Kaine to make historic investments in public education, and I look forward to working with parents, teachers, students and the business community over the next four years to continue improving our education system.”}

In announcing the endorsement, the VEA noted Wagner’s longstanding commitment to education, which resulted in historic investments in 2004 and 2008 by Governors Warner and Kaine. In the bipartisan 2004 budget, Warner helped steer $1.5 billion in new money to public education, resulting in Virginia being named the “best state to raise a child.” Along with Governor Kaine, Wagner helped negotiate the landmark Higher Education Bond Package in 2008, which provided $1.6 billion for new buildings and infrastructure upgrades on college campuses across Virginia. In contrast, the organization noted, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling has consistently voted against new funds for education, including the 2004 budget and bills to raise teacher pay in Virginia to the national average.