This is Matt Pries. I’m a husband, father, teacher, coach, and active member of my church and community in Grimes — and I’m running for State Senate in District 23 against Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver. School began for me this week; it was great to have students back in the building and to be back to work with my colleagues. I’m excited about the prospect of being a teacher elected to our State Senate to stand up for public schools.

Something I’ve noticed more this year than any other is teachers and other staff members posting wish lists for their classrooms and school activities. It’s great to see that people are sharing those lists and helping fulfill the needs. What’s not so great is we are at a point where this is happening—that teachers are having to make wish lists to do their work at a high level and meet the needs of students. And if those lists go unfulfilled? Either the needs won’t be met—or the teacher will pay for them with their own money.

Recently, I attended an event supporting public education where a host of candidates spoke in support of our schools and teachers. You can click here to see what I had to say and give to my campaign.

It is vital to elect candidates to office who will support our public schools. I’m one of them. Will you please give today to help get me elected?