BOSTON – The 23,000-member American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Massachusetts has endorsed Senator Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) for State Auditor, in yet another sign of grassroots support for a candidate who has long been a champion of working people. DiZoglio was raised by a single mother and has felt the transformative effect of education in her own life: After she graduated from Methuen High School, a teacher helped her transfer from Middlesex Community College to Wellesley College. That laid the foundation for her entry into public service, from working at local community centers to serving in the Massachusetts State House and Senate. “Diana DiZoglio has been an independent watchdog on Beacon Hill, taking on wasteful privatization schemes and fighting for the true government transparency we deserve,” said Beth Kontos, president of AFT Massachusetts. “As Auditor, we can trust her to protect public dollars from fraud and abuse, and shine a light on where our tax dollars go to ensure that the will of the people is being fulfilled.” The Executive Board of AFT Massachusetts, which voted on the endorsement, is made up of elected representatives of the 23,000 AFT members statewide. “Education changed my life and gave me a path forward – and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teachers, support staff and all the incredible professionals in the Methuen Public Schools, Middlesex Community College and Wellesley College,” said Sen. DiZoglio. “The work of our educators across Massachusetts is instrumental to the strength of our Commonwealth, and we owe them immense support in the fight for dignity. I will continue to be their proud partner and champion as Massachusetts’ next State Auditor.” The American Federation of Teachers, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, was founded in 1916 and represents 1.7 million members in more than 3,000 local affiliates nationwide. Five divisions within the AFT represent the broad spectrum of the AFT's membership: pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; and nurses and other healthcare professionals. In addition, the AFT represents approximately 80,000 early childhood educators and nearly 250,000 retiree members. To date, DiZoglio has also been endorsed by dozens of elected officials, community leaders and activists from across Massachusetts, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, EMILY’s List, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Massachusetts Nurses Association, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), UNITE HERE 26, IBEW Local 223, Boston Carmen’s Union, Iron Workers Local 7, Machinists District 15, the MBTA Inspectors Union, Operating Engineers Local 4, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Teamsters Local 170 and 25, and the Puerto Rican PAC of Lawrence.
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