AFT-Wisconsin endorses Dianne Hesselbein for Assembly

Madison, Wis. – The AFT-Wisconsin executive board voted unanimously recently to support Dianne Hesselbeim in her run for Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to AFT-Wisconsin President Bryan Kennedy, Hesselbein earned the group’s endorsement after a rigorous process including a questionnaire and in-person interview. “Throughout the endorsement process, it became clear that Dianne would be a champion for Wisconsin’s working families. We believe she is the best candidate to represent Wisconsin’s 77th Assembly District.”

Kennedy stated that Hesselbein’s commitment to public education was the primary reason for her endorsement. “From pre-kindergarten through PhD programs, Dianne is a stalwart advocate of Wisconsin education professionals and students. Believing ‘quality education is an important right, not a selective privilege,’ she will work to fix the broken school funding formula. She will also tirelessly advocate for full funding of the UW and Wisconsin Technical College Systems so that academic professionals and students have the resources they need to succeed.”

Kennedy also cited Hesselbein’s commitment to equality as a factor in the endorsement. “In her experience in local government, Dianne was a leader on passing domestic partner benefits for public employees. She also supports a fair and compassionate immigration policy.”

Kennedy stated that AFT-Wisconsin proudly stands behind their endorsement. “Representative Black served the 77th Assembly District as a progressive and compassionate leader. As a state representative, Dianne will continue that tradition. On behalf of the 17,000 professional public employees represented by AFT-Wisconsin, we are pleased to support Dianne Hesselbein in her bid to be representative for the 77th Wisconsin State Assembly District.”