Fight Back Against SNAP-Ed Cuts!
On July 4, 2025, the federal government eliminated funding for the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program better known as SNAP-Ed. It has helped Michigan families for over 30 years by teaching practical, life-changing skills: how to cook healthy meals on a budget, how to grocery shop wisely, and how to improve long-term health with better food choices. It has supported children, seniors, working parents, and people in every county of our state.
Now, that support is being dismantled. Without state investment, we will lose the educators, classes, and trusted programs that have made a difference in so many lives.
Click Here to Send a Letter to Your Legislator Asking them to Protect SNAP-ED
MSU Extension United/UNTF Local 1855 is addressing the approaching expiration of SNAP-Ed funding on October 1, which is anticipated to result in permanent elimination of up to 120 jobs at Michigan State University (MSU) Extension. Layoff notices are slated for July 31. The Union, representing community-based professionals across all Michigan counties, is focused on advocating for its members and preserving the essential programs they deliver.
Communication from MSU administrators regarding these personnel changes was initially released via an op-ed article rather than directly to employees. Only through advocacy by Extension United, including the demand to bargain the impact of these layoffs, did MSU finally confirm a timeline for the mass layoffs earlier this week. The exact number of affected positions still remains unclear. MSU states they are completing internal review processes.
Extension United members have consistently advocated for their colleagues, demanded transparency at the bargaining table, and spoken out publicly on the devastating effects of this funding loss. Despite the union’s early efforts to collaborate with MSU’s lobbyists on this extensive loss of funding, MSU remained unresponsive. Extension United remains committed to
securing fair treatment and a clear path forward for its members.
Extension United urges community members to contact their state legislators to convey the positive impact of SNAP-Ed programs on their families and communities. Your voice is crucial to highlight the potential disruption this funding loss will cause. For information, contact extension@untf.org.
Remembering Tom Anderson
Tom Anderson, who helped found two AFT Michigan local unions and worked with many more, has passed away. Tom was one of the most committed activists building the contingent faculty labor movement in Michigan over several decades, including helping found both the Union of Part-Time Faculty at Wayne State and the Adjunct Faculty Organization at Henry Ford College. Tom led negotiations many times at both of his locals and also assisted many other locals around the state and country training leaders on higher education financial analysis with the AFT. In addition to his formal union roles, Tom was a constant force behind the scenes, quietly developing leaders, building solidarity and showing up for others — always ready to march or walk a picket line with a smile on his face. We will share arrangements with local leaders when they are available.
AFT Michigan Summer UBI: July 28-31 (via Zoom)
Are you a workplace leader looking to develop your union leadership skills? Wondering where to start when it comes to being a building representative, steward, or union member? Workplace leaders and members are invited to sign up for various virtual sessions designed to support members develop skills and build on existing knowledge and skills around core union capacities throughout the week of July 28. Sessions are focused on core areas of AFT Michigan’s Power Wheel and include skills you can take back to your workplace the next day around organizing, communicating, and representing your colleagues!
Register today at aftmichigan.org/union-building-events.
AFT Michigan Members Attend UM Workers Pride Conference
We had a great group of AFT Michigan members who were in attendance at the recent UM Dearborn Center for Labor and Community Studies Workers Pride Conference on July 19.
UM Dearborn CLCS Latina/o Worker Leadership Institute – September 18-20, 2025
The Latina/o Worker Leadership Institute invites all workers, union or non-union, and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing Latina/o working persons and learn about Latina/o culture. We welcome participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Click here for more information and to register: https://clcs.umd.umich.edu/upcoming-events/2025-latinao-worker-leadership-conference
Donald Trump signed an executive order in March that ripped the right to collectively bargain away from hundreds of thousands of federal workers – – the single biggest act of union-busting in American history.
We have huge news: the labor movement mobilized and got a majority of members of Congress – Democrats and Republicans – to sign on as co-sponsors of the Protect America’s Workforce Act.
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students, patients and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
Facing Loan Forgiveness Issues? AFT Wants to Hear Your Story!
As part of AFT’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education (AFT v. Department of Education), we’re working to hold the administration accountable for the failures of the student loan system. To strengthen our case, we urgently need to hear from borrowers who meet the following criteria:
- You’ve been in repayment(or forbearance or deferment) for 25 years or longer; and
- You have ever been enrolled in an Income-Based Repayment Plan or are currently trying to switch into IBR with a pending application.
If this sounds like you or a member you know—or even if you’re not sure but think you may qualify—please take a moment to share your story:go.aft.org/DebtJourney
Your experience is powerful. By sharing it, you’re helping the AFT fight to safeguard Public Service Loan Forgiveness and demand justice for public service workers.
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
