Firefighters and Teachers Agree Mark Leno is the Best Choice for Change

Leno earns endorsement of those fighting on California's frontlines everyday
Keeping our families safe and putting education first

SAN RAFAEL, CA – Mark Leno's campaign for State Senate today announced that the California Professional Firefighters, California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers have endorsed his candidacy, citing his long-time record as a champion of education and public safety issues. 
 
"Firefighters and teachers dedicate their lives to helping others— they truly are our everyday heroes," said Leno.  "I am greatly honored that they have put their faith and trust in me to be their voice in the State Senate.  I have proudly partnered with firefighters and teachers in the State Assembly and at the local level, and I look forward to continuing the fight for the ideals we hold dear in the Senate."
 
"When budget cuts threatened the state's fire and police services, Mark Leno wrote legislation to sustain those vital services and keep our communities safe," said Lou Paulson, President of the California Professional Firefighters.  "Leno has been a champion on public safety issues and a courageous friend to firefighters. We are proud to endorse Mark Leno for State Senate."
 
"Assemblyman Mark Leno's voice in the Assembly has proven invaluable to teachers and students throughout California," said David A. Sanchez, President of the California Teachers Association. "CTA supports Mark Leno for State Senate because he has consistently made our students, school and public education a top priority."
 
"Our schools and colleges need more leaders like Mark Leno in the legislature," said Marty Hittelman, President of the California Federation of Teachers. "While in the Assembly, Leno has been a tenacious advocate for our education systems— fighting hard for more resources, and not settling for less.  CFT applauds Leno's record in the Assembly, and we are proud to support him for State Senate."
 
Leno's record on public safety, better schools and access to affordable higher education solidified his endorsement by the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), California Teachers Association (CTA) and the California Federation of Teachers (CFT).  Leno has long been a strong voice opposing budget cuts that hurt our students and teachers, and Leno has worked side by side with fire safety officials to ensure they get the tools necessary to protect our families and communities.  Additionally, Leno took the chemical industry head on to protect firefighters from toxic cancer causing chemicals. 
 
"Our teachers and firefighters are on the frontlines in California.  The work they do is vital to the health of our state and their support means the world to me," said Leno.
 
CTA is California's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 340,000 public schools teachers, counselors, psychologists and librarians.  CPF is the largest statewide organization dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of career firefighters with more than 30,000 members.  CFT is the statewide affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers and represents over 100,000 teachers in California, from pre-K to the university level.