Ventura, Calif.—April 22, 2010. The California Teachers Association has given its endorsement to Democrat Tim Allison in his run for the House of Representatives in the 24^th Congressional District. This gives Allison the support of California's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 325,000 public school teachers, counselors, psychologists, and librarians.

“From our in-depth questionnaire and interview process, we are convinced that Tim Allison will be a thoughtful and consistent advocate for California’s students at all levels and for the educators who serve in the classrooms of the 24^th District,” said CTA President David A. Sanchez. “Tim understands the vital role education plays in the lives of individuals and families, and for the economic success of our state. As Congress addresses the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, we know we can rely on him to promote meaningful, proven reforms that will help improve student learning rather than the one-size-fits-all approach and top-down mandates that fail to recognize the individual needs of students.”

The CTA is considered the most inclusive and powerful voice for educators in the state. Besides functioning as a statewide organization, it encompasses more than 1,100 local affiliates among the state’s various school districts. Its endorsement gives Allison a decided edge in the June 8 Primary Election and a boost toward unseating Rep. Elton Gallegly in November.

"Tim Allison is strong on the education issues CTA cares about," said Layne Wheeler, President of the Santa Barbara Teachers Association. "Electing Tim to the 24th Congressional District will give educators, students and parents a valued friend and ally in Congress."

Allison’s campaign emphasizes education issues, promoting the role of Early Childhood Education programs and the need to find a more realistic and less punitive route to improving public schools than is enshrined the Bush-era’s No Child Left Behind approach.

"As the son of two teachers, I am proud to have the support of educators in my campaign for Congress,” said Allison. “Education is a vitally important issue in this campaign. We must prepare the next generation by giving them the skills and tools necessary to compete in a global economy. Our teachers are on the front lines of some of the most important jobs in our society today. I am honored that the California Teachers Association supports my candidacy and trusts my judgment on this critical issue.”

The CTA’s endorsement comes at the same time as similar approval from the California Democratic Party, the Sierra Club, the California League of Conservation Voters, and Rep. Lois Capps (D–Santa Barbara).

The 24th Congressional District includes the cities of Camarillo, Ventura, Ojai, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Lompoc, Buellton, Santa Ynez, and Solvang.