Rep. Gallego taps Arizona schools advocate Beth Lewis as speech guest

PHOENIX – Arizona public education advocate Beth Lewis will be among the guests attending Tuesday’s presidential State of the Union.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego invited Lewis, who helped lead 2018’s successful Red For Ed charge for increased teacher pay and more money for schools.

Lewis, chair of Save our Schools Arizona, said in June weeks after the teacher walkout had ended, that the grassroots movement, “this conversation is not going away.”

The Phoenix-based organization said in an email to KTAR News 92.3 FM the invitation was a surprise and that “we appreciate that the Congressman is honoring public school teachers in Arizona and the importance of public education.”

The Tempe elementary school teacher her appreciation for the invitation from Gallego.

Made it to DC! Thanks to @RepRubenGallego for inviting me to represent AZ educators and @arizona_sos at the #SOTU. Your intern Sam just gave me the BEST tour ❤️🍎#MrsLewisGoesToDC pic.twitter.com/ScLABURD6a

— Beth Lewis 🎓❤️🆘 (@TheBethLewis) February 5, 2019

She will back at school Thursday.

Gallego In a speech from the House floor in early January, Gallego, wearing a red tie, said, “Last year, tens of thousands of educators from Arizona helped lead the nation in walking out of their schools to protest cuts to schools and funding. …

“They succeeded in securing much-needed pay raises. … [but] the fight to ensure that every child receives a quality education is not over.”

Programming note: KTAR News 92.3 FM will cover President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address live starting at 7 p.m. Arizona time on Tuesday.

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