Teachers’ union endorses Nellie Gorbea for Governor and James Diossa for General Treasurer

Democratic primary is September 13 and these are the two hottest statewide races

The RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professional issued these two statements:

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea for Governor 

The Executive Council of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, the largest teacher union in the state, has voted to endorse Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea for governor of Rhode Island. Nellie has experience in both the public and private sectors and has a track record of creating labor management partnerships. In her tenure as Secretary of State she has worked diligently to bring all stakeholders to the table to resolve the complex issues which confront us. As a coalition builder, she values the diversity of opinion provided by all constituents. 

Nellie has a robust vision for Rhode Island which aligns with the values and objectives of the RIFTHP. Her priorities focus on housing, education, healthcare, and economic development. Nellie has committed to working with our members and leadership to help ensure a better future for all Rhode Islanders.

Nellie is committed to creating a leadership team who will consult with teachers and teacher leaders to improve our schools. She will provide the leadership necessary to improve our education funding formula, invest in professional development, and expand opportunities to attend public higher education institutions. She will strive to create the schools our children and families deserve. She has the strength and courage to make difficult decisions.

RIFTHP President Frank Flynn, said “We look forward to partnering with Nellie as we face many difficult challenges over the next several years. Her inclusive leadership style and strong work ethic are traits that our board recognized and appreciated when making this decision.”   

On behalf of the 12,000 members of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, we are proud to endorse Nellie Gorbea for governor of Rhode Island. 

James Diossa for State Treasurer also picks up SEIU endorsement 

The Executive Council of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals has voted to endorse former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa for Rhode Island State Treasurer. James’ experience as Mayor during the most turbulent time in Central Falls history has ingrained in him the importance of protecting the fiscal stability of both state and municipal finances to ensure that employees, and the taxpayers they serve, will never have to experience that again.

He is committed to transparent and responsible management of the state’s resources and finances. As Treasurer he will seek input from constituents of all sectors of the economy to gather best practices in management and investment. James will continue the “Back to Basics” strategy currently employed by the state investment commission to protect and grow the state retirement system and avoid high fee, high risk options. 

As Treasurer, James will continue the important work of rebuilding our schools. He strongly believes that all students in our state, whether they live in urban, suburban, or rural communities, deserve to go to school in safe, modern, state of the art facilities. James also believes that the office of Treasurer can play a key role in convening business and community stakeholders to create more affordable housing in our state. Stable housing is fundamental to our state’s success.

On behalf of the 12,000 members of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, we are proud to endorse James Diossa for the office of State Treasurer.