FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rep. Mary Valentine
Phone: (231) 733-1240

Michigan Teachers Group Endorses Valentine for State Representative
Former educator gets American Federation of Teachers support in bid for re-election

NORTON SHORES – State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) has received the endorsement and support of the American Federation of Teachers-Michigan in her bid to continue representing the 91st House District, which covers most of Muskegon County and part of Ottawa County.

“I am proud and honored to have the support of the AFT-Michigan, which has been a tremendous partner in our efforts to strengthen our schools and give our children all the tools they need to succeed in class and beyond,” Valentine said. “As a retired educator, I understand the importance of a high-quality education. I’m committed to working with teachers and continuing our partnership so we can make a change that will benefit Michigan students and prepare them for the good-paying jobs of the 21st Century.”

Valentine dedicated her first term in the House to creating jobs for workers now and investing in education so that Michigan can produce a top-notch workforce and attract high-quality employers in renewable energy and other rapidly growing fields. As vice-chair of the House Education Committee, Valentine led the fight to increase funding for schools across the state in order to reduce class sizes and make sure more dollars are spent in the classroom.

“One of the best ways to move Michigan forward is to create the best-educated workforce possible,” Valentine said. “I’ll continue working to give all children access to a top-notch education and make sure everyone can afford to go on to college or trade school. I look forward to working with our teachers so our children can compete and succeed in the 21st century global economy.”

AFT Michigan represents over 35,000 members working in K-12 and intermediate school districts, community colleges, universities and local government.

Public Servants Endorse Valentine for Second Term
Unions recognize Valentine’s commitment to fight for rights, safety

NORTON SHORES – State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) has received the endorsements and support of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, Police Officers Association of Michigan, Michigan Association of Police Organizations and Deputy Sheriffs Association of Michigan in her bid to continue to represent the 91st House District, which covers most of Muskegon County.

“Our police and firefighters are on the frontlines every day and I am truly honored to receive the endorsement of these unions,” Valentine said. “These men and women put their lives on the line to keep our residents safe and I truly value their support. I look forward to continuing to work with Michigan’s finest to build safer, stronger communities for all of our residents.”

Valentine dedicated her first term in the House to fighting to create jobs for workers now and promoting initiatives that help workers land good-paying jobs in renewable energy and other rapidly growing fields. She is committed to rewarding companies that create jobs in Michigan – not those that outsource to other countries or hire illegal immigrants – and to investing in education so that Michigan can produce a top-notch workforce and attract high-quality employers.

Valentine has also fought for an aggressive plan to protect our Great Lakes from diversion and misuse, and to stem the flow of Canadian and out-of-state trash into Michigan.

The Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union is Michigan's largest professional, career firefighter organization, and it represents roughly 7,500 active and retired members. The Police Officers Association is the largest law enforcement employees union in the state and represents over 12,000 members. The Michigan Association of Police Organizations is made up of eight organizations that comprise 75 percent of the state’s 19,500 certified police officers. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Michigan is a state-wide fraternal nonprofit organization with over 4,200 members including patrol officers, detectives, local correction officer, evidence technicians and emergency dispatchers.