"We are going to rebuild our economy stronger than before, and at the heart of it will be three simple words: made in America … Instead of giving tax breaks to corporations that want to ship jobs overseas, we want to give tax breaks to companies that are investing right here in the United States of America."
— President Obama, speaking at the July AFL-CIO convention
"Let's use all the tools we have to transform the American system of public education. Let's combine the incredible skills we have at our disposal and make sure every community in America has great public schools. Let's do what we do best – let's take back our place as America's educational leaders."
— NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, speaking to RA delegates in July
" … organizing — at a time when the labor movement represents only 7 percent of working Americans — is not enough. We don't want to be perceived as islands of privilege.
We must be beacons of what's possible. We can't just lean on our political power. We must be deeply rooted parts of our communities."
— AFT President Randi Weingarten, at biennial convention in July