Teachers, parents, and community members across Connecticut wore Red for Ed yesterday during the Champions for Public Education Day of Action, and many elected officials joined them—drawing attention to the resources and funding schools need to support students.
State Attorney General William Tong couldn’t make CEA’s press conference but recorded a video message he posted to social.
“I’m wearing red today because I stand with public education, with teachers, with students—making sure we’re there for teachers and our schools every single day,” he said.
State Senator Julie Kushner was one of 15 legislators who attended CEA’s press conference.
“I’m here to support teachers and to support public education; we know it’s the foundation of our democracy,” she said. “I want to thank the leaders of our teachers’ union, Kate and Joslyn, who have done a fantastic job bringing us together to support teachers with the funding we need this year in this difficult time. We need to make sure the top priority is funding our public schools.”
Legislators celebrated reaching a deal with Governor Lamont to ensure an additional $40 million for special education this fiscal year after Lamont initially vetoed the proposal.
“I am pleased to share that we have struck a compromise with Governor Lamont,” said State Rep. Travis Simms. “This is a major victory for our most vulnerable students who desperately need these resources.”
State Rep. Ken Gucker said he was proud to stand with his colleagues and CEA members to support the additional funding.
“Though we need much more, this infusion will help schools in the short term. This is by no means the end, but just the beginning of our commitment to education,” he said.
Check out photos of teachers who participated in the Day of Action from around Connecticut, and watch news coverage of CEA’s press conference.
Taking the message to Washington
Educator and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes wore Red for Ed at the U.S. Capitol to stand in solidarity with educators across the country.
“Congress needs a teacher who understands the impact of legislation on public education,” she said. “I take the responsibility of being a voice for the profession seriously and will continue to work to uplift the power of education.”
Connecticut’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Julia Miller represented her Connecticut colleagues wearing a CEA Champions for Public Education T-Shirt at the President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress last night. The New Haven civics teacher was a guest of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
“I am so honored to be at the Capitol today to advocate on behalf of our public schools. Public schools are everything and we need to protect them,” she said.
“Teachers shape our children’s future; we must fight to support them,” DeLauro said. “I’m deeply alarmed by the attacks against our public schools and our education system.”
