National Education Association Donkey s Tale 2414 SE 10th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 www.neademocrats.org Democratic Caucus James Lansing, Chair 2016 Convention 2016 Must Win! As Democratic Caucus members prepare for the 2016 NEA Representative Assembly in July, we are also focused on the National Democratic Party Convention, and ultimately the presidential and congressional elections in November. The California primary election solidified the historic nomination for Hillary Clinton. Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders have similar positions on many issues. The appeal of Senator Sanders to the progressive left has energized younger voters. This energy must be captured for the final contest! The contrast between the two national parties could not be greater or clearer. The recent horrific tragedy in Orlando, FL has crystallized this difference. Critical decisions about public safety, health care, college affordability, social security, the environment and many other issues face us in the next presidential term and in the next congressional session. We cannot let the damage happen that would be done if the other national party gains the White House and maintains control of Congress. The inaction of Congress regarding a Supreme Court appointment is another example of why it is critical for Democratic candidates to prevail. Democratic turnout is the answer, especially in purple states. Our caucus members are democratic activists dedicated to getting out the vote this year. 2016 is a MUST WIN election year for Democrats, and we will make it happen! Once again we will have a booth at the NEA EXPO, July 2 nd and 3 rd. Memberships may be renewed at the booth, or with your state s contact person. There are still several states where a contact person is needed. It is easy and fun to be the person to promote membership in the Democratic Caucus in your state caucus meetings to tell us your concerns and suggestions. Renew your NEA Democratic Caucus membership at NEA EXPO Booth #138 during the Convention, or with the NEA Democratic Caucus Contact person in your state delegation. Please Note: Our annual Breakfast Meeting will be held at 8:00 AM, on July 6, 2016; the RA ends the following day. Jim Lansing, Chair NEA Democratic Caucus
Secretary s Report National Education Association Donkey s Tale 2414 SE 10th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33062 www.neademocrats.org Published Annually for the NEA Convention Officers: Chair Jim Lansing (954) 943-4313 lansingj@bellsouth.net 1st Vice-Chair Brian Rock brianrock.nj@gmail.c om 2 nd Vice Chair Bradley Wright mgobrad@sbcglobal.net Secretary Dennis Bruck (586) 263-3837 103053116@comcast.net Treasurer Teresa M. Hodge vihodgetm@ymail.com Past Chair Mary Flaherty Artuso (412) 751-1024 martuso@comcast.net Editor Jack Schneider JackS921@comcast.net We have a strong opportunity this November to keep a Democrat in the White House. It is critical for us to have a president who will stand strong for public schools and public school employees. It is also important to have a president who will work to maintain and improve the Affordable Health Care Act in addition to protecting social security benefits for millions of Americans. In a Word... The upcoming 2016 election is important and America s future depends on its outcome. This is vital to our beliefs and values as Democrats. The election will determine who will be our next president, who controls Congress, and who will be serving on the Supreme Court. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the Koch Brothers are pouring huge amounts of money into these elections. Alec is a shadowy group of companies and politicians working together behind closed doors to rewrite laws. ALEC and other right-wing Republican groups will far outspend Democratic candidates. This election will no doubt be contentious, as we have all witnessed throughout the primary season. It will not be easily won and we must all work hard to get out the Democratic vote. I remind you to renew your NEA Democratic Caucus membership and to bring along a friend or two to join the caucus. I look forward to seeing all of you in Washington, D.C. for what looks to be an exciting convention! Dennis Bruck NEA Democratic Caucus Secretary If Republicans gain control of all three branches of government in 2016, the ultra-conservative onepercent will be able to push forward with their own objectives. Democrats must be active. We must learn about the candidates, contribute money to our races, and work at the grass roots level to ensure that those elected in 2016 promote the principles of the Democratic Party. If you are unable to attend the 2016 Democratic Caucus in Washington, D.C., please take the time to send in this year s membership form, found on the last page of this publication. In Solidarity, Jack Schneider, Editor Page 2 National Education Association Democratic Caucus 2016 NEA Convention
Jim Lansing, Chair Meet Your Candidates Secretary POLITICAL HIGHLIGHTS Elected precinct committeeman, Broward County Florida, Democratic Executive Committee Past-President and currently Treasurer, Coconut Creek Democratic Club Delegate to Florida Democratic conventions since 1987 Due to the retirement of Dennis Bruck, we have an open position for secretary. Are you interested in becoming more involved in the group? Nominations for the position will be considered at the first caucus meeting. ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS NEA RA Delegate since 1989 Government Relations Chair, Broward College Chapter of the United Faculty of Florida State Senator, United Faculty of Florida Florida Education Association Elections and Credentials Committee Building Steward, United Faculty of Florida, Broward Chapter UFF Broward Representative to the Broward AFL-CIO Central Labor Council PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS Professor, Broward College, Fort Lauderdale, FL Past Faculty Senate President Endowed Teaching Chair Award, 2005 Association of Florida Colleges, Faculty Commission Chair 2016 NEA Convention National Education Association Democratic Caucus Page 3
Teresa M. Hodge Treasurer Meet Your Officers Association Highlights President, Broward College Chapter of the United Faculty of Florida Chair, FEA Professional Issues In Education Committee NEA Emerging Leaders Academy, Class of 2011 Professional Highlights Mathematics Professor, Broward College, Fort Lauderdale, FL President, The Faculty Senate Chair, Instructional Calendar Committee Member, (Area 5) General Education Outcomes & Assessment Team Personal Highlights Choir Director, New Life Assembly of God Worship Choir Worship Team Leader Student Mentor, Souljahz Youth Ministry Tutoring Ministry Coordinator Brian Rock 1st Vice-Chair Political Highlights Executive Board, Essex County Dems New Leaders Council NJ Fellowship (2016) NJ Democratic State Committee s Building Our Future Graduate (2015) Eagleton Institute Fellowship (2014) Association Highlights Vice-President, East Orange EA Secretary, Essex County EA NEA-RA Delegate WLT/MLT Participant (2015) Professional Highlights Social Studies Teacher Yearbook Advisor C-SPAN Senior Fellow (2015) C-SPAN Teacher Fellow (2013) Bradley Wright 2nd Vice-Chair Political Highlights Member of Lake County, IN Democratic Party and Indiana Democrats Held House Party for Obama in 2012 Frequent Participant at Illinois Political Action Committee for Education Candidate Forums Association Highlights NEA RA Delegate since 2005 IEA RA Delegate since 2006 President, IEA Local 218 Teachers Association Region Representative to IEA Region 28 Representative Council Member of IEA Caucus Elections Committee Professional Highlights Chemistry Teacher, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, Illinois Page 4 National Education Association Democratic Caucus 2016 NEA National Convention
NEA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS Schedule for Representative Assembly 2016 The Breakfast Meeting will be at the Convention Center, Room 102B DAY DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION Saturday July 2 NEA Expo Dem s Booth 9:00am-3:45pm EXPO Booth #138 Membership Meeting 4:00pm-4:30pm Room 141 Street Level Nominations of Officers and Region Coordinators. All candidates running for office must be present. Sunday July 3 NEA Expo Dem s Booth 9:00am-5:00pm Convention Center EXPO Booth #138 Membership Meeting 12:00pm-1:00pm Room xxx Monday July 4 Membership Meeting 9:30am-10:30am Convention Center Room 141 Candidate speeches (if necessary). Candidates will be asked to state the duties, responsibilities, and assignments they plan to deliver if elected. (Region Coordinators should be prepared to furnish the names and addresses of each state contact in his or her region.) Tuesday July 5 Membership Meeting Lunch Break Convention Center Room 141 Election of Officers (if necessary) (Members must have membership pins and ribbons to vote.) Wednesday July 6 Breakfast Meeting 8:00am-10:00am Convention Center Room 102B ***Breakfast Registration 7:30am-8:00am*** Members must have membership pins and ribbons. The first 100 members will be served breakfast. (If you arrive late, you are welcome to listen to the speaker.) Thursday July 7 Executive Committee Meeting 9:30am-10:00am Convention Center Room 141 All membership money, pins and ribbons should be returned!
NEA Caucus Members Mark your calendar for the Caucus Breakfast!!! Hear how the elections are shaping up from your NEA Political Consultants. Listen to a great keynote speaker. Talk to delegates from other states. Get election information from NEA Political Consultants. The breakfast is free to the first 100 members upon presentation of pins and membership cards. $20.00 $20.00