AFT Massachusetts Endorses Jay Gonzalez for Governor

The 25,000-member AFT Massachusetts, one of the state’s largest labor unions, announced their endorsement of Jay Gonzalez for Governor in this year’s election. The AFT Massachusetts is the first statewide labor union to make an endorsement in the race for Governor.

“Jay has an aspirational vision for an education system that gives every student the resources they need to succeed. Through his strong support for the Fair Share Amendment, he’s outlined a plan to fully fund our schools and libraries, fix the broken Foundation Budget, and make our public colleges affordable again,” said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. “From his support for a higher minimum wage and paid family and medical leave, to his detailed plan to improve access to high-quality, affordable childcare and preschool, Jay understands that our students and their families need economic security if we are going to close the opportunity gap that leaves far too many kids behind. The teachers, librarians, higher ed faculty, and other educators of the AFT Massachusetts are proud to support Jay Gonzalez because he will be a forceful, effective advocate for our students and our schools.”

“I’m honored to have the support of the AFT Massachusetts. The most important responsibility we have collectively through government is to ensure that every child has access to a great public education,” stated Gonzalez. “The members of the AFT Massachusetts are the ones who work day-in and day-out to deliver on that responsibility. I look forward to working with them over the course of this campaign and to partnering with them as Governor to ensure they have the support and resources needed to give every child access to the high-quality public education they deserve.”

“Governor Baker does not support increasing the minimum wage. He does not support the paid family and medical leave ballot question. Governor Baker opposes the Fair Share Amendment. Jay strongly supports all these things that invest in our families and the education and transportation that they need,” continued Kontos.

The Executive Board of AFT Massachusetts, which voted on the endorsement, is made up of elected representatives of the 25,000 AFT members statewide.