The Illinois Federation of Teachers Endorses Hyde Challenger
Christine Cegelis receives the backing of key union
(PRWEB) February 22, 2004
One of IllinoisÂ’ largest unions, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, threw their support behind Christine Cegelis, the main Democratic challenger to the twenty-eight year incumbent Henry Hyde.
“Education is one of the most important issues facing our country. I am pleased to have the support of the members of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. The IFT-AFT plays a critical role in improving our nation’s schools,” Cegelis said after receiving the endorsement.
She continued, “The unfunded mandates set forth by the No Child Left Behind Act hamper the progress of local school districts. I believe that we need to fix and fully fund the measures of NCLB. Property taxes are skyrocketing in our area because the Federal government does not provide enough funding for the measures it imposes on our local schools.”
The endorsement by the Illinois Federation of Teachers means that the union will communicate with their members on CegelisÂ’ support on IFT issues. Campaign volunteers will be solicited to go door-to-door and volunteer in other critical voter identification and Get-Out-The-Vote efforts.
The Illinois Federation of Teachers consists of over 90,000 men and women who are teachers and paraprofessionals in school districts throughout Illinois, faculty and staff at IllinoisÂ’ community colleges and universities, public employees under every statewide elected constitutional officer, and retirees.
