UW-Madison’s Teaching Assistants’ Association encouraged members to help elect a pro-labor and pro-education state legislature Friday at its annual welcome back party.

The TAA, which is the first graduate employee union in the world, formed in 1966 and has been bargaining with the state for the rights of teaching assistants and project assistants ever since.

Speakers at the party included U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, and TAA co-presidents Mark Supanich and Tim Frandy.

The TAA, according to Baldwin, has played a crucial role in important debates in Wisconsin such as the availability of domestic partner benefits.

Baldwin said much is at stake in this year’s election for education, organized labor, the environment, the economy and foreign policy, and teaching assistants should encourage others to vote.

“I certainly think this is by far the most important presidential election in my lifetime,” Baldwin said.

Supanich said the most important issue for many TAA members is gaining domestic partner benefits, and electing a pro-labor and pro-education state Legislature would improve chances of achieving it.

Frandy urged TAA members to get involved in the election this fall.

“We need everyone in this room to work together, to take some time … to do what we can to really work through the TAA to make a change that will last and be resonant,” Frandy said.

The Wisconsin state primary is Tuesday and its outcome will determine who will face off for state seats on Nov. 4. It will also determine the winners in races with only one party running.