Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1535219
earned since 1977 and 1983, respectively. In December, Congress finally voted to fully repeal the laws, ending a marathon of activ- ism by union educators across the country. "I always had hope. It was such an important issue that was affecting so many people and the unfairness of it all really made me want to win this," says Ed Foglia, CTA presi- dent from 1978 to 1982 and 1986 to 1992. Foglia served on the NEA Executive Committee when the laws were implemented, working for decades to urge lawmakers to repeal GPO and WEP. Visiting lawmakers in D.C., writing letters, sending emails and making phone calls for years and years, Foglia says this historic victory is a shining example of the Power of Us. "If it wasn't for NEA and CTA, this would've never happened. is is a victory because we are a union that cares and has a program of advocacy that has made it possible for us to get this victory — our union!" says Foglia. "The victory only happened through the tireless advocacy of educators and other public service workers. NEA members made nearly half a million calls and sent emails to members of Congress, demanding they repeal these unjust laws. NEA and CTA members also lobbied lawmakers in Washington and in offices here in California, sharing their personal stories of how these laws have unjustly penalized them and their families." The fight for justice had gone on for so long, many didn't expect GPO and WEP to ever be repealed, especially in our ultra-polari zed political climat e. Patt erson says sh e was shocked that it made such quick progress after years without much movement. " When we fight, we win. If we keep tr ying, eventually we will be successful," she says. "Don't give up. at's even more important with the cur- rent administration." Foglia says it's fulfilling to see this victory affect so many people in such a positive way — espe- cially when President Trump is wreaking havoc on our structures and livelihoods. He urged members to keep that "never quit" attitude and maintain the fight to protect each other, our stu- dents and our democracy. "Good things don't come easy — you have to work to make things happen. As an advocate, you don't get to pick how long you fight for something. We keep fighting until we win," says Foglia, urging all members to get involved. "Our unions, CTA and NEA, are here for us. We need to be a part of the fight. e only way we can be successful is if our members believe in our union and are willing to work for it." In 2023, active and retired NEA members, including CTA representatives, met with lawmakers in Washington, DC, to urge repeal of GPO/WEP. " If it wasn't for NEA and CTA, this would've never happened. This is a victory because we are a union that cares and has a program of advocacy that has made it possible for us to get this victory." —Ed Foglia, CTA president 1978–1982 and 1986–1992 Ed Foglia, pictured in 2016 as an CTA/NEA-Retired Board Member, advocates for CTA to continue actions to repeal GPO and WEP. 33 M AY 2 0 2 5 Krista Patterson