Protect Our Kids: March 4 Day of Action
We are calling on educators, parents, students, and community allies to:
- Mobilize locally to defend public schools and the vital services they provide to kids and families
- Urge federal representatives: Don’t cut kids for tax cuts – oppose education funding cuts and block grants.
- Push state leaders: Say NO to block grants and NO to cuts in federal aid for schools.
Check out events in your area by going to go.aft.org/volunteer. Not seeing an event near you yet? Take action and host an event in your community! Here’s how to take action:
- Organize a Local Event on March 4
- Plan a rally, teach-in, or press conference on March 4 to highlight the impact of these cuts.
- Partner with local organizations and community leaders to amplify your message.
- Download fliers, logos and signage.
- Contact Your Lawmakers
- Federal Action: Urge Congress to oppose block grants and education funding cuts—don’t cut kids for tax cuts. Share this letter!
- Share Your Story
- Collect and amplify real-life stories from students, parents, and educators to show how these cuts would hurt kids.
- Submit blog posts and writer stories for national amplification by emailing AFTvoices@aft.org
- Submit an op-ed to your local newspaper. Click here to download a sample op-ed.
- Send us photos or videos of your action at info@aftmichigan.org!
Be sure to register to host a “Protect Our Kids” event on March 4 so we have a full list of all the actions nationwide to protect public education.
Speaker Hall Wants to be King
In the United States, we have laws and leaders — not kings. Unfortunately, Republican House Speaker Matt Hall doesn’t understand this. The Michigan Legislature passed nine bills that help workers gain better wages, healthcare, and retirement benefits — but Hall is refusing to send them to Governor Whitmer, despite his constitutional duty to do so. Hall is trying to set a precedent that would allow himself to hold up any law from taking effect, even if it passes the legislature.
Register for the Michigan Higher Education Labor Summit – March 15
Join higher ed labor activists from around the state at Wayne State on March 15 to discuss how higher ed works in Michigan and a potential shared vision for the future. Register here: https://higheredlaborunited.org/michigan-higher-education-labor-summit/
Stop the Attacks on Medicaid
Last week, the Senate passed a budget with huge cuts to Medicaid and other key programs, in order to fund mass deportations. And this week, the House of Representatives will be voting on even bigger cuts to Medicaid to fund tax cuts for billionaires and pay for a new federal school voucher program. This is not an exaggeration; that’s their plan.
Congressional action will take center stage in the next few weeks. Please send a letter to your members of Congress opposing any cuts to Medicaid.
Inflation is going up, consumer confidence is going down, and Americans don’t think President Trump has done enough to lower the cost of everyday essentials. Yet the president’s allies in the House and Senate are proposing budgets that will make life harder for working people. And why? To find trillions for tax cuts for billionaires.
Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, student loans and more are all under attack—and we will fight any attempts to take funding away from kids and communities who simply want a chance to live the American dream. Americans, across party lines, are becoming wary of the priorities of this administration and the GOP Congress.
Cuts to Medicaid are deeply unpopular, and many House Republicans don’t want to vote for a bill that contains Medicaid cuts. Regardless of whether you’re in a blue, red or purple district, your representatives need to hear that Medicaid cuts are not acceptable.
There are 70 million people who get their healthcare through Medicaid. These cuts to Medicaid would mean many kids at our schools will lose access to dental care, doctor visits and more. They would mean some of our active cancer patients will have to stop treatment. They would mean seniors and people with disabilities will lose long-term care services—services often provided by AFT members. In addition to the impact on our students and patients, these cuts would mean the elimination of healthcare jobs.
Free Michigan Labor Law Series – March 8
The Center is pleased to announce a free three-part symposium on the current state of Michigan Labor Law. All sessions will be on Zoom starting March 8, 2025.
Click here for more information.
Register for the Michigan School for Women Workers — all are welcome!
The Michigan School for Women Workers coming April 24-27 to the Somerset Inn in Troy, Michigan. With ten different workshops there is something for everyone. All are welcome!
For more information, to register online, and to find jpegs of the flyer go to: https://clcs.umd.umich.edu/upcoming-events/2025-michigan-school-for-women-workers.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
From civil rights to arts and culture to science and technology, this lesson collection has cross-curricular resources for teaching core subjects through the enduring contributions of women.
Click here to view Share My Lesson’s Collections on Women’s History Lesson Plans.
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!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
