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National Day Of Action Draws Hundreds To State Capitol

Hundreds of people from civil rights groups to teacher unions gather on this national day of action to issue a failing report card for Texas' state and federal lawmakers.

Over 300 people braved the freezing temperatures to let their voices be heard about how they dissatisfied with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and at the state capitol. The Texas State Teachers Association’s Clay Robinson said he would ask lawmakers to reconsider three key areas.

"I would ask for them to fund our education system in an adequate in fair way, to expand Medicaid where more of our kids and their families have decent health care and I would ask Washington to enact a reasonable immigration reform act," Robinson said.

Becky Pringle is with the largest labor union in America, the National Education Association, and said the freedom to learn is the most fundamental civil right.

"We’re rising up and we are saying enough -- enough of the type of reformers that think they know what’s best for our kids," Pringle said.

Together, the collection of groups have developed "The Principles that Unite Us," in what they call a common vision for public education.

The rally at the state capitol was one of 30 rallies sponsored by the NEA on the National Day of Action.

Ryan started his radio career in 2002 working for Austin’s News Radio KLBJ-AM as a show producer for the station's organic gardening shows. This slowly evolved into a role as the morning show producer and later as the group’s executive producer.