Dear Friends,

Through grassroots organizing, coalition building, and community outreach, Issue 2-more commonly known as SB 5-was defeated at the polls in Ohio. Working families have said "no" to legislation that would have stripped public employees of their right to advocate for the communities they serve.

Click here to learn more about how this radical legislation was rejected.

Congratulations to the Ohio Education Association (OEA), its members and staff, and OEA President Pat Frost-Brooks. Thank you OEA for educating and inspiring voters to make the right choice for students and the future of Ohio. Throughout the campaign, the voices of rank and file members from a wide variety of unions echoed in unison throughout the state - thanks in large part to We Are Ohio (WAO) and the coalition's Chair, Larry Wicks, who is also the Executive Director of the OEA.

American workers nationwide are cheering because, in Ohio, the middle class has just won a big victory. Both Democrats and Republicans have sent a message that is reverberating across the country-"We don't turn our backs on the people who watch ours."

Ohio Voters realize that when educators have a voice in the workplace, they are better advocates for children. Families are healthier when nurses can speak out for better care and more staffing. Communities are safer when firefighters and police can collectively bargain decisions related to staffing and equipment.

Click here to hear more about how Ohioans stood up.

But now it's up to the rest of us. Issues like SB 5 in Ohio are happening and will continue to happen in communities across the country, unless you speak up and take action. We must unite against those who want to take away the rights of working families and balance budgets on the backs of the middle class. To learn what battles are coming to a state legislature near you, please visit EducationVotes.org and sign up for updates. Our collective voices must be heard!



Thanks for all you do,

Dennis Van Roekel
President, National Education Association

P.S. As you read this, a coordinated attack on the middle class continues. Join NEA and our partners to stop it.

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