We cannot neglect the importance of education in shaping our children's future. Our elected officials, especially those at the statewide level, must understand and support their communities and constituents. As educators, we advocate for improvements in education in our state, but the influx of out-of-state special interest money threatens to influence our state.
It's a concerning trend. Many candidates, from top to bottom of the ballot, are raising funds from outside their state and district. In 2022, over 30% of political donations in Tennessee were from out-of-state special interests. This trend raises a critical question: To whom do these candidates become accountable when out-of-state entities fund them?
While our primary focus remains on education, we cannot ignore the issue of campaign finance. It's crucial, and it's our responsibility as educators to actively engage in the political process to ensure greater transparency and accountability. Implementing limits, enhancing transparency, and enforcing donation regulations are essential steps to curb the undue influence of wealthy donors on electoral giving and spending.
Special interests, such as political action committees and officeholder-controlled nonprofits, often exploit loopholes in campaign finance laws to exert improper influence on candidates and officials. Bringing this issue to the forefront and advocating for stronger regulations is essential.
Unlike our union counterparts, our members' dues remain within our state and are not used for partisan purposes. They are directed towards benefits, insurance, and the advancement of education. Our association does not contribute funds to political entities or candidates. We work to keep our members and the public well-informed on education issues.
We are unwavering in our commitment to serving the needs of Tennessee teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and all public education employees. We firmly believe that it takes everyone working together to improve public schools. We work with all stakeholders in public education, regardless of political party or platform. We work collaboratively with all sides of any debate to find the best solution. We also represent the priorities defined by our members—working educators passionate about K12 education.
Our message is distinctive: our members want support from an association that supports educators, not politicians. We want our members to feel reassured and trustful of our commitment to non-partisan purposes and that we never endorse candidates or give them money. This focus on education-related legislation should make our members feel informed and empowered in their advocacy for education.
In any political discussion, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the complexity of human behavior and opinions. Political election analysis should also be more informed, considering a wide range of data and recognizing the various channels of influence—quick conclusions from limited data and failure to identify methods that hinder a comprehensive understanding of political dynamics. By promoting informed analysis, any audience can make more knowledgeable decisions. Voters also change their opinions for many reasons.
People have different perspectives, which should be considered in shaping policies and making decisions. People adopt the political beliefs of those around them from childhood, and isolated individuals may be unaware of alternative beliefs. Books, television, education, job mobility, and the internet have expanded the diversity of people and beliefs around us.
The top Republican in our state, Governor Bill Lee, faced criticism for his political donations to Democratic candidates, including Phil Bredesen, Karl Dean, and Megan Barry. Voter records show that Bill Lee did not vote in an August Republican primary election from 1996 until 2006, despite first registering to vote in 1978. Lee did not donate to his party's nominee in 2016, which was his choice.
Citizens are typically more concerned with their own specific issues but not everyone is continuously engaged in public affairs. Public opinion polls are often viewed with skepticism due to doubts about methods and funding and concerns about leading questions and manipulation of public opinion. While polls can provide valuable insights, they should be seen as a tool rather than a definitive guide for decision-making. You have to also account for bias.
Ultimately, voters are the key players in political decisions. They rely on information about candidates, with endorsements playing a minimal role. Factors such as the state of the economy, party identification, and candidates' positions on crucial issues have a far more significant impact on voters' decisions. You want voters to feel valued and integral to the political process.
My friend Lauren Breeze, a Wilson County Commissioner, highlights the most significant issue we face in elections at both state and national levels: voter apathy. She says, "Young adults in our community are choosing not to exercise their right to vote because they believe their vote doesn't matter. However, we've recently seen several close races that prove otherwise."
As Tennessee educators, we are united in our mission to fight for a better future for all students and the next generation. We will continue to advocate for education and work towards creating a brighter future for all. Make sure to research then choose the candidate who best aligns with your values and beliefs as you head to the polls. Only you can make that decision.
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JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee.
