BURLINGAME – California Teachers Association President Eric C. Heins issued the following statement today about San Diego Senator Toni Atkins becoming California’s first woman to hold the state Senate’s top job:

“California’s educators congratulate progressive legislator Toni Atkins today for being the first woman to become state Senate pro tem, a top leadership position of immense importance. We can add her name now to the inspiring roster of leaders we honor during Women’s History Month this month who broke new ground in the pursuit of a better future for society. Her record of legislation includes bills she’s championed on affordable housing, health care and LGBT rights. The education community welcomed her strong sense of social justice as state Assembly speaker and we know she will continue to listen to the voices of students and teachers in her powerful new Senate job. Toni is a coalition builder who understands that our public schools and communities are worth fighting for as the Golden State continues to offer opportunities, refuge and hope for all regardless of who they love, language they speak and the Zip code in which they live.”

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The 325,000-member California Teachers Association is affiliated with the 3 million-member National Education Association.