WEAC becomes 17th Union to endorse Shankland, including the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.

STEVENS POINT, WI – The Wisconsin State Education Council (WEAC) has officially recommended State Rep. Katrina Shankland for Congress in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. The teachers' union joins the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO and 15 other unions in supporting Shankland ahead of the August 13 Democratic primary election.

WEAC, the state affiliate of the National Education Association, represents the teachers and education support professionals employed in Wisconsin’s public schools. Raised by two public school teachers and WEAC members, Rep. Shankland has served as a tireless champion of public education at all levels in the Wisconsin State Legislature.

In recommending Shankland, teacher and WEAC President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen said, “Katrina Shankland, a friend of education, will support public schools across Wisconsin. She is a proven leader who has made significant contributions to education. As a U.S. Representative, Wisconsin educators are confident she will continue to advance policy that provides opportunity for all students — no exceptions.”

“Every aspect of public education is impacted by our elected leaders, and I’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our public school teachers and staff in Congress, just as I have in the Legislature. It’s time we fairly fund our public schools and reduce our over-reliance on property taxes. And it’s high time we give teachers a raise,” Shankland said.

WEAC’s endorsement builds on Shankland’s momentum. She has now earned endorsements from 16 unions, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, Congressman Mark Pocan, former Congressman Dave Obey, more than 40 state and local elected officials, End Citizens United, Social Security Works, and United Rural Democrats. Last week, she became the first Democrat in WI-03 to release TV ads, with her first two focused on her record of co-sponsoring and passing 225 bipartisan laws in the State Legislature and her third this week focused on reproductive freedom. Head-to-head polling shows Shankland is the only Democratic candidate who beats Van Orden in the general election this November, 48-46%.

Katrina Shankland is a state representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly. In the Legislature, Katrina has passed 225 bipartisan laws, including increased access to affordable rural healthcare, help for farmers, expanded protections for first responders, and stronger clean water laws. Katrina is running for Congress to bring some common sense to the Capitol, fight against extremism, and deliver results for the hard-working people of Wisconsin. For more, go to katrinashanklandforcongress.com.