As the 2024 election season heats up, Sen. Morgan LaMantia (D-Brownsville) stands out as a dedicated advocate for public education. Representing a diverse constituency, she has consistently prioritized the needs of students, teachers, and families throughout her tenure in the Senate. With her reelection campaign underway, LaMantia’s commitment to strengthening public education remains at the forefront of her agenda and why she has earned Texas AFT’s COPE endorsement.
LaMantia believes that a robust public education system is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy and an essential investment in the future. During her time in office, she has championed initiatives aimed at increasing funding for K-12 schools, enhancing teacher salaries, and improving resources for students with special education needs. Her policies have led to tangible improvements in classrooms across the state, ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background.
One of the key elements of LaMantia’s campaign is her focus on reducing class sizes. Research has shown that smaller class sizes can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. To address this issue, LaMantia has proposed legislation aimed at hiring more educators and providing schools with the necessary funding to create smaller, more personalized learning environments. Her unwavering belief is that every student deserves the individual attention that smaller class sizes afford.
Moreover, LaMantia has been a strong proponent of mental health resources in schools. Recognizing the increasing mental health challenges faced by students, she has advocated for the integration of counseling services within public schools, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. This holistic approach to education reflects her understanding that a child’s well-being is intricately linked to their ability to learn and succeed.
In a political landscape often characterized by divisiveness, LaMantia’s dedication to public education stands as a beacon of hope for many. Her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for all children not only defines her candidacy but also highlights the critical role that public education plays in building a brighter future for our communities. As the election approaches, educators in the Rio Grande Valley have a clear best choice: to support a leader who prioritizes the needs of students and believes in the transformative power of a public education.
Texas AFT asks all who care about Texas public schools to get in the fight now! Head to vote.texasaft.org for information on this November’s election, as well as a list of Texas AFT COPE’s current endorsements. Make your plan to vote, plug into volunteer opportunities, and donate to our political fund if you can.