Legislative Advocacy
RECLAIMING THE PROMISE
WE STAND UP FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN MICHIGAN
Our union works to promote policies that support a high quality, equitable public education system for all.
We are educators who believe in the potential of our students and are committed to ensuring that Michigan has a high quality education system.
TAKE ACTION
Communicating with elected officials is our responsibility as citizens and union members—and the Michigan Legislature is always working on many issues that affect teachers, school employees, and students.
TRACKED LEGISLATION
AFT Michigan tracks legislation relevant to the issues facing our members, as well as the schools, colleges, and universities in which they work, operations of state government and elections, and issues of racial, social, and economic justice.
For every bill we monitor, you will find a description of the bill, relevant details, and links to the bill content and legislative analysis. AFT Michigan does not always take positions on bills. If a bill is not scheduled for a hearing, it is unlikely we will take a position. Decisions on bills are made through alignment with AFT Michigan’s official policy platforms and consensus of AFT Michigan’s Administrative Board Constituency Committees and through discussions with local presidents. When we’ve taken a position on identical bills in previous sessions, our previous position on the bill is reflected.
Additionally, there are links for members to take action on bills for which we have taken positions and are moving through the legislative process.
POLICY PLATFORMS AND POSITION PAPERS
AFT Michigan’s policy platforms and issue briefs are developed by our members—after all, education professionals are the experts when it comes to educational issues. Our legislative work is centered on communicating these values and policies to elected officials.
HIGHER EDUCATION PLATFORM
Throughout this platform, AFT Michigan emphasizes that faculty and staff should be full participants in any discussion aimed at enhancing higher education in our state.
PRE-K-12 PLATFORM
Throughout this platform, AFT Michigan emphasizes that faculty and staff should be full participants in any discussion aimed at enhancing higher education in our state.
ISSUE BRIEFS
AFT Michigan takes positions on policy matters as they arise. We provide this information in the form of position papers, testimony, and fact sheets.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Restore Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees
Legislators need to restore teachers’ voices at the bargaining table, protect our support staff from the threat of privatization and restore the power to collect our dues through payroll! The subjects of bargaining that educators can negotiate at the bargaining table were eroded under the Engler and Snyder administrations. Educators cannot bargain over evaluations, privatization of […]
Election 2022 Workplace Flyers
Please distribute to fellow members in your workplace (and let us know if you need help with printing, etc.)!
Governor’s Updated Guidance on Schools & COVID-19
A joint statement from David Hecker, AFT-Michigan President; Don Wotruba, MASB Executive Director;Tina Kerr, MASA Executive Director; Ray Telman, Middle CitiesExecutive Director; Paula Herbart, MEA President: Since this pandemic began, it has been our most fervent wish to safely reopen our schools for in-person learning. Educators agree that face-to-face time with students is vastly superior […]
