WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten on the New Jersey governor’s race:
“Tonight’s victory represents new hope and new opportunity for the people of New Jersey. For far too long, the governor’s office has been occupied by a blustering bully who disrespected educators, nurses and working people. Phil Murphy and Sheila Oliver are a breath of fresh air: They respect and value the work and voice of educators and believe in the promise of public education for all children. They stand with nurses and health professionals fighting for better care for their patients. And they understand the importance of economic growth in New Jersey, and unions’ role in creating that growth and the economic security and opportunity working people need.”
AFT New Jersey President Donna M. Chiera on the New Jersey election:
“Gov.-elect Murphy’s win today symbolizes the aspiration of New Jersey residents for new leadership that respects teachers’ voices in deciding what is best for students and provides full funding for schools, with increased access to higher education. We welcome what we hope will be a time for us all to work together to create a healthy environment for growth in the Garden State.”
Health Professionals and Allied Employees President Ann Twomey on the New Jersey election:
“As the state’s largest healthcare union, we look forward to working with Gov.-elect Murphy to bring transparency and accountability to government, improving access to healthcare while ensuring patients’ and workers’ standards of safety.”
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AFT represents 1.7 members in pre-kindergarten through 12 education, higher education, healthcare and public workers. AFTNJ represents 30,000 education workers. HPAE is New Jersey’s largest healthcare union, representing 13,000 nurses and other healthcare professionals.