FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 29, 2006
Contact: Rep. Quincy Murphy, 706-790-4600 or qmurphy@bellsouth.net

Rep. Quincy Murphy endorsed by Georgia educators

Members of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) have endorsed the candidacy of state Rep. Quincy Murphy (D-Augusta) for re-election to Georgia House District 120. GAE, with 40,000 members, is the only major education employee representative with an active political action program. GAE members work hard through voluntary contributions and support for candidates to ensure friends of public education are elected to public office.

GAE President Jeff Hubbard said, “Our endorsement is based on GAE’s commitment to continue improving Georgia’s public schools. Representative Murphy supports the GAE Legislative Priorities, which are created and approved by our members each year. These priorities include a commitment to stand up for those on education’s front line by working to: attract and retain a quality teacher in every classroom; enhance education programs for greater student achievement; ensure schools and buses are safe; include all public school employees in the state’s whistleblower-protection legislation; provide quality comprehensive health care benefits, salary increases and improved retirement benefits; adopt a fair evaluation system; prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow; and restore education funding cuts so our students can continue to succeed.”

GAE Government Relations Director Jocelyn Whitfield announced, “Since every decision concerning the operation of our schools is made by elected officials, it is imperative that education employees support candidates who will make children and public education a high priority. Representative Murphy works incredibly hard to make sure that every child has an equal opportunity for a quality education in Georgia’s public schools. Educators have a history of very high turnout on Election Day, and our children are depending on our active political involvement. Teachers are always advocates for their students, in the classroom and on Election Day. They will help elect a friend of education, Representative Quincy Murphy.”
“I am extremely pleased and honored to have the support of GAE and its members in this year’s election,” Murphy said. “These classroom educators are the professionals on the front lines every day, striving to enhance their students’ academic achievement. As long as I am in the House of Representatives, I will work to give our public school students, teachers and administrators the tools they need for excellence.”

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