Oct. 4, 2024: ‘I’m a Union Guy’

Tuesday’s Vice Presidential Debate was much less … lively than the Presidential Debate, but there were still a few noteworthy moments. Specifically on the topic of trade and the economy, vice presidential candidate and Democratic governor of Minnesota Tim Walz proclaimed that he is “a union guy,” while emphasizing the Harris/Walz objective to bring more industry back to the U.S., restoring many more middle-class income opportunities.  

Additionally, on the subject of gun violence, Walz said that despite his feelings about the second amendment, “our first responsibility is to our kids.” Walz called for stricter gun legislation and red flag laws instead of turning schools into fortresses to protect them. J.D. Vance alternatively spoke on the worsening mental health crisis, saying that it was a “big piece” of why we have so much gun violence in America.  

These points reflect well two of our ten priorities on the Educator’s Bill of Rights: 

#5 Educators have a right to healthy, safe, and secure working environments free from the constant worry of gun violence or the guessing game of whether the air-conditioning will keep pace with Texas summer heat.   

#8 Educators have the right to organize with their colleagues without fear of retaliation and with the knowledge that collective bargaining leads to better working and learning environments.   

If you haven’t yet, be sure you’re signed on at bit.ly/EdBillOfRights 

The final day to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 7. Ensure you and those around you are ready to make your voice heard in November. Verify your registration at votetexas.gov, and see which other candidates on your ballot we have endorsed at vote.texasaft.org.