For Immediate Release
January 29, 2009

Contact: Gail Purkey or Dave Comerford
217/544-8562

Illinois Federation of Teachers ready to work with Governor Quinn
Statement of IFT President Ed Geppert, Jr.

The IFT stands ready to work with Governor Pat Quinn to address the many challenges facing our state. Illinois’ current fiscal crisis greatly affects the level of education and state services that can be provided to citizens.

On behalf of the more than 90,000 members of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to provide Mr. Quinn, in his new role as governor of Illinois, with the perspective from teachers and staff in elementary and secondary schools, from faculty and staff at our colleges and universities, and from employees at important state agencies. Those professionals on the front lines work hard every day to provide the best education and services possible. We want to make sure our state provides the support necessary for a strong public education system from early childhood education to postgraduate studies, and our state agencies with the resources needed to provide vital state services to all Illinois citizens.

Our new Governor faces great challenges and has little time to prepare a new administration. We wish him well and are willing to provide assistance whenever possible.

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The Illinois Federation of Teachers represents 90,000 teachers and paraprofessionals in PreK-12 school districts throughout Illinois, faculty and staff at Illinois’ community colleges and universities, public employees under every statewide elected constitutional officer, and retirees.