December 18, 2019 – Pittsburgh, PA – Today, candidate for Pennsylvania 30th House District Lissa Geiger Shulman (D-Hampton) received the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers 400, a diverse regional union representing over 3,100 teachers, paraprofessionals, technical and clerical staff, and the PMOIU#2 unit of the Pittsburgh Public School system.
“Lissa Geiger Shulman’s four years as a public school teacher, and her current work as an advocate for early childhood programs, give her a unique perspective into the needs of students, educators, and staff,” Nina Esposito-Visgitis, PFT President said. “Her understanding of our issues is apparent, and PFT is thrilled to endorse her candidacy for State Representative because we desperately need her perspective in Harrisburg if we want policies that will truly benefit our schools in Southwestern Pennsylvania and across the commonwealth.”
“I’m honored to earn PFT’s powerful endorsement,” Geiger Shulman said. “As a former member, their commitment to the fight for improved, equitable education is so important to having good schools in Pittsburgh. Now, as a candidate for State Representative, I’m proud to stand with them and know that I’ll always be an ally in our shared effort to build a better education system.”
“I’ve taught in under-resourced school buildings and classrooms, and I know that too often teachers sacrifice both their finances and their health on behalf of their students.” Geiger Shulman continued. “I’ve seen the punitive atmosphere created by our state government that stifles teacher creativity and leadership, and leads to high turnover that benefits no one, least of all the students.”
“It’s time our Representatives start finding real solutions to education issues. We need to ease financial pressures on school budgets, truly invest in all staff to boost retention and experience in our teacher workforce, and empower our educators. That’s the focus I pledge to have in the legislature, and I truly thank PFT for their support of our campaign’s message.”