Rep. Ilhan Omar Endorsed by American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, Education Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and Education Minnesota today.
“Representative Omar is a progressive voice for Minnesotans in Congress,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. “She knows what will make a difference in the lives of families, like investing in public education so we can end lunch shaming and make sure every school building is a safe place that supports students. And she fights for all working people – for their dignity, their respect, and for their safety on the job. Rep. Omar has already left an indelible mark in her short time in Congress.”
“Rep. Omar is a fearless advocate for the things Minnesota students need to succeed, from universal access to high-quality pre-kindergarten to higher education without crushing education debt,” said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht. “Rep. Omar shares the commitment of Minnesota’s educators to guarantee access to a good public school for every family, no matter where they’re from, what they look like or how they pray. Education Minnesota is proud to endorse her for another term in Congress.”
“I am honored to have the support of our teachers as I fight for teachers and students across the country,” said Rep. Omar. “Public education is supposed to be the pathway to economic security. But for decades, reformers and rightwing politicians have fought to resegregate and slash funding for public schools. Minnesota has one of the worst achievement gaps in the country, with students of color significantly underperforming their white counterparts. As a Member of the Education & Labor Committee, I will continue to fight to close the achievement gap—and ensure more equitable schools in Minnesota and across the country. As a graduate of Minneapolis Public Schools and a public school parent myself, I appreciate our public educators now more than ever”
About Ilhan Omar: In 2018, Ilhan was elected to Congress representing the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota. In her first year in office, she successfully passed 16 bills and amendments through the U.S. House of Representatives. Ilhan introduced the Student Debt Cancellation Act to end the student debt crisis, Homes for All legislation to end the homelessness crisis, and legislation to tackle child hunger by making school meals universal. She also co-sponsored the No Ban Act to combat Donald Trump’s xenophobic Muslim Ban, successfully pushed to extend DED status for the Liberian community in Minnesota, and introduced a War Powers Resolution to prevent war with Iran.
She is Vice Chair of the Medicare for All Caucus, Whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Midwest Regional Whip for the Democratic Caucus. Ilhan has consistently worked to show that the American Dream is for everyone. This year, she was awarded the Profile in Courage Award from the Town Project for her consistent engagement with constituents, even in the face of threats to her safety.