House University Budget Proposal Slashes U of M and Wayne State
A radical new University budget passed by the Michigan House of Representatives, and opposed by AFT Michigan, cuts the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor by $39.5 million and Wayne State by $8.2 million. Today, business leaders and donors came out against the budget proposal and argued that all universities should receive an increase in funding from the unprecedented one time funds via the American Rescue Plan. Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Senate have proposed a flat 2% increase for universities. As the budget travels through the legislative process and to the Governor’s desk we will advocate for equitable funding for all universities.
Don’t You Wish More Legislators Cared About Public Education?
AFT Michigan consistently fights for our members, students and communities and we need your help to elect more candidates that fight for our policies and share our vision. Can you donate $52 a year to aid us in this fight? Please visit https://aftmichigan.org/pac/ and set up a recurring gift. For as little as $1 a week, YOU can make a difference and have a stronger voice in who we elect!
Shape the Future of Redistricting in Michigan
For the first time in Michigan’s history, the voters will have a real say in the redistricting process. The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is holding public hearings across the state over the next two months and the MI AFL-CIO is encouraging members to get involved. Join your union siblings across the state and tell the Commission, “Throw out the old gerrymanders and draw fair maps from scratch!” For more information visit: https://miaflcio.org/redistricting/ or contact Michael Kohler at mkohler@miaflcio.org.
We Need Fair and Inclusive Election Laws
I was proud to author an op-ed in the Free Press this weekend with Lizabeth Ardisana, my fellow co-chair of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition. This reflects how business and labor are working together across the state to make sure we defend and strengthen our electoral system: Changes to election law must promote fair, inclusive electoral process
AFT American Rescue Plan Discussion – Thursday, May 20
AFT holds weekly Q&A sessions to answer questions about the Rescue Plan. The session is open to all AFT leaders, members and state and local affiliate staff. The sessions are conducted every Thursday from 4:00 – 5:00pm EST and are led by AFT staff who facilitate discussion and answer questions.
Recently, the Department of Treasury released an interim final rule on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. This is the $350 billion pool of money that has been made available to state and local governments under the American Rescue Plan.
This Thursday, May 20, we will focus on a discussion of guidelines related to the Fiscal Recovery Fund in particular. Participants can, of course, ask questions on anything related to ARP. To join a session, use the following information:
Zoom Meeting ID: 981 0931 4479
Passcode: 179230.
If you cannot attend this session but have a question you would like to ask, please use our hotline number: 800-900-2343
Join Pride@Work Michigan on May 20!
Pride at Work is a constituency group of the AFL-CIO representing LGBTQ Labor and its Allies and we have a Michigan Chapter. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and through solidarity at your local union hall! Our next meeting is on May 20th at 6pm. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PrideatWorkMichigan to access the Zoom link.
Questions? Contact WSU-GEOC/AFT 6123 member Jamie McQuaid (They/Them) at treasurer.geoc@gmail.com or AFT Michigan Field Rep Erin Lavin at elavin@aftmichigan.org.
2021 Rollie Hopgood Future Teachers Scholarship Award Applications Now Available!
AFT Michigan has three eligibility categories of the “Rollie Hopgood Future Teachers Scholarship Award” for qualifying individuals.
Scholarship categories and links to applications and forms are:
- Graduating senior of an AFT Michigan high school with the goal of becoming a teacher;
- AFT Michigan PSRP dues paying member for at least one academic year enrolled (full- or part-time) in a teacher certification program at a college or university;
and
- AFT Michigan dues paying member for at least one academic year son(s) and/or daughter(s) who is a graduating senior with the goal of becoming a teacher.
Click here to download the applications. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Linda Moore at tftlindamoore@gmail.com.
Upcoming Professional Development
AFT Michigan Professional Development Workshop
Gut Health As It Relates To Stress and Anxiety 6 SCECHs
June 5, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. via Zoom
This workshop will introduce participants to a growing body of research, commonly identified as “Gut Health” and explore the possibility of chemical and hormonal transmission between the stomach (what you eat) and the brain. The relationship between the stomach, brain and mental health can have an effect on the teaching and learning in the classroom both positive and negatively. Also, participants will examine food choices that have connections to various chronic diseases and mental health (anxiety and depression).
In solidarity,
David Hecker, President
