Statewide committee of educators unanimously recommends trio in 2022

EAST LANSING — The Michigan Education Association is recommending to its members the re-election of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel, the state’s largest school employee union announced Wednesday.

“Gov. Whitmer closely listens to the voices of educators, and she takes our expertise to heart before acting on education issues,” said MEA President Paula Herbart, a veteran music teacher from Macomb County. “That’s why MEA strongly recommends Gretchen Whitmer for re-election, along with Jocelyn Benson for secretary of state and Dana Nessel for attorney general. This team of strong leaders respects educators and understands the promise of public education.”

The MEA-PAC Statewide Screening and Recommending Committee, a diverse panel of teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty and staff and school retirees from across the state, voted unanimously to continue these recommendations. The committee hailed Whitmer’s historic investment in public education; she signed a $17 billion K-12 budget earlier this year that included the largest increase in school funding in Michigan’s history — all without raising taxes.

Benson’s work to protect the right to vote, ensuring that every Michigan citizen has the right to participate in our democracy, was vital in her earning MEA’s recommendation.

Meanwhile, the committee recognized Nessel’s work with the MEA and the National Education Association on addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, as well as critical school safety issues.

“Michigan is fortunate to have these three remarkable women in office advocating for strong public schools and a better life for students, school employees and families. As educators, we are proud to stand with Governor Whitmer, Secretary Benson and Attorney General Nessel in 2022.”

NOTE: MEA members can read more about these continuing recommendations here (members-only login required).