Jul 1, 2020 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2020
Statement from Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association, on the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling on requiring in-person signatures for ballot measures:
“We are extremely disappointed by the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision today to reverse a lower court ruling that allowed signatures to be collected via email and mail in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. No one could have predicted the impacts the past four months have had on the world, including the ability for citizens to safely get an initiative on the ballot for the upcoming November general election.
“The idea of a fair and equitable tax system in Colorado enjoys broad support across the state. Restructuring the tax code would mean lower taxes for 95% of Coloradans, and Initiative 271, if passed by voters, would generate more than $1 billion in funding for chronically underfunded public schools. This is even more critical since the Colorado Legislature withheld a record $1.18 billion from students and educators during the 2020 Legislative Session.
“Today’s ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court demonstrates that the institution is out of touch with the realities of most Coloradans. If there was ever a time to enact innovative ways to carry on the work of our democracy, this is it. Today, the Colorado Supreme Court failed in its obligation to the people of the state of Colorado.”
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Feb 27, 2020 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 27, 2020
DENVER – The Colorado Education Association today announced its 39,000 members will support Hazel Gibson for election to the State House of Representatives in District 6, and Jennifer Bacon for election to the State House in District 7.
“We are proud to back two incredible candidates who are ready to take action and truly make a difference for students, families and educators in Colorado. Hazel and Jennifer understand the importance of strong public schools and have great respect for the educators who serve to help every student thrive,” said CEA President Amie Baca-Oehlert, a high school counselor.
Gibson is a parent of two students with special needs in Denver Public Schools. She is a staunch advocate for increasing education funding across the state. Bacon is a former educator who currently serves Denver students as a member of the DPS School Board.
“When Hazel and Jennifer are elected, their leadership in the House will help pass legislation that will lift more Coloradans out of poverty and confront the gaps in equity that hold back too many students and families,” Baca-Oehlert added.
CEA arrived at recommending Gibson and Bacon through a committee of CEA members who reviewed candidate questionnaires and conducted face-to-face interviews. Baca-Oehlert said Gibson and Bacon clearly came out on top as the best candidates to stand with students, educators and parents.
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Feb 5, 2020 | Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 5, 2020
CEA Recommends Esc√°rcega, Esser for State Education Board
DENVER – The Colorado Education Association today announced its 38,000 members will support Lisa Esc√°rcega for election to the State Board of Education in District 1, and Dr. Karla Esser for election to the State Board in District 7.
“We are excited to have two candidates with such extensive experience and deep understanding of K-12 education issues step forward and volunteer to serve the state,” said CEA President Amie Baca-Oehlert, a high school counselor.
“If elected, Lisa and Karla will bring their expertise and experiences as educators to make sound decisions for the students, educators and parents of Colorado. We need their leadership on a State Board that will be willing to listen to educators and community members and to collaborate on solutions that will help every student thrive,” Baca-Oehlert added.
CEA arrived at recommending Esc√°rcega and Esser through a committee of CEA members who reviewed candidate questionnaires and conducted face-to-face interviews. Esc√°rcega and Esser clearly came out on top as the best candidates to stand with students, educators and parents.
“The State Board of Education requires bold leadership to drive policy change that elevates public education for all Coloradans. We need members on the State Board who truly value our students, the educators who tirelessly support them, and the communities that need a greater voice in their children’s futures. Lisa and Karla are the best candidates to provide that vision moving forward and CEA is proud to support them,” Baca-Oehlert concluded.
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