PHILADELPHIA (August 6, 2024) – Following is a statement from Arthur Steinberg, president of the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania (AFTPA) and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), on Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris' selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate:
“Public educators in Pennsylvania were already all in for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Governor Tim Walz is a military veteran, former social studies teacher, union member, football coach, and member of Congress. Adding Governor Walz to the ticket bolsters the campaign’s ability to juice the Democratic base, persuade non-MAGA Republicans and independents, and thus decisively win the presidency.
“This contest is no doubt the highest-stakes presidential election for public school educators in the history of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and AFTPA. With two happy warriors for working families at the top of the ticket, I know our members look forward to connecting with Pennsylvania voters over the next 90 days in order to send Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to the White House.”
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The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers represents nearly 14,000 education professionals, including teachers, librarians, school nurses, counselors, psychologists, social workers, therapists, secretaries, paraprofessionals, classroom assistants, non-teaching assistants, supportive services assistants, Head Start/Comprehensive Early Learning Center and Bright Futures teachers and staff, food service managers, and professional and technical employees.
