Statement by Randi Weingarten,
President, American Federation of Teachers,
On Timothy Geithner's Confirmation as Treasury Secretary

Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed President Obama's nomination of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary. The AFT's campaign, "Fight for America's Future: It's Dollars and Sense," supports a federal economic recovery package and advocates for sensible investments at the state and local levels.

WASHINGTON—We congratulate Timothy Geithner on his confirmation as Treasury Secretary. Geithner will play a central role in President Obama's plans to shore up and revitalize our economy.

Every area of American life is affected by the current economic crisis, including education, healthcare and other public services. The Obama administration's decisions, especially those made in the short term by the economic team, will affect our work and the lives of the people we serve.

The AFT's campaign, "Fight for America's Future: It's Dollars and Sense," is a nationwide effort to help reverse the dire economic situation profoundly affecting public services and communities. The AFT supports swift passage of a federal economic recovery plan and advocates smart investments at the state and local levels. Severe budget cuts already have hit those sectors of American life that affect our country's future; education, healthcare and vital public services cannot afford any further draconian cuts. We are anxious to work with Secretary Geithner to ensure that the cornerstones of our democracy remain strong.

# # # #