For Immediate Release
Feb. 28, 2018
Contact:
Richard Fowler
202-393-6355
rfowler@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT’s Weingarten on Settlement of West Virginia Teachers’ Strike
WASHINGTON— Statement by AFT President Randi Weingarten on the recent decision by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice to increase teacher and school service personnel salaries, end the attacks on seniority and paycheck deduction, and launch a task force to improve the state’s public health insurance program:
“West Virginia’s teachers and school service personnel stood strong and stood together for basic dignity for themselves and their students. They showed what is possible when working people come together, united in their unions and joined by their communities, to fight for what educators, students and schools need to thrive. It’s been awe-inspiring seeing thousands swarm the state Capitol and stand out on the picket lines fighting for a better life and a better West Virginia.
“Last night’s proposal is a starting point in terms of treating West Virginia’s teachers and school service personnel with the respect and dignity they deserve. It provides a new pathway forward on healthcare, with a short-term freeze in premiums and a long-term commitment to get it right for public employees, educators and school service personnel.
“But this moment is about more than last night’s agreement, as important as that is. Through this strike, 55 counties strong, West Virginia’s teachers and school service personnel put legislators on notice that business as usual is over—it’s time for real investment in West Virginia’s public schools and in the professionals who teach in and work in West Virginia’s schools. The AFT stands with the educators and school staff in West Virginia today, and we will continue to stand with you as you keep fighting for your jobs, your students and your schools. We know what is possible in this state when we work together, unions and local and state officials, toward what is best for communities and schools. That is the path the governor and the Legislature should continue to take.”
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Joint Statement on Nationwide Mobilizations, Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 Oral Arguments
For Immediate Release
Feb. 26, 2018
Contact:
AFSCME:
Marianne von Nordeck
202-812-0091
AFT:
Andrew Crook
607-280-6603
NEA:
Staci Maiers
202-270-5333
SEIU:
Sara Lonardo
202-730-7332
Joint Statement on Nationwide Mobilizations,
Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 Oral Arguments
WASHINGTON— Throughout the month of February, working people have been more energized and organized than any time in recent memory. There have been nationwide moments of silence and fast food strikes to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike. Tens of thousands took to the streets in at least 30 cities this weekend to demand an end to a rigged economy. Today, there are more than 500 worksite actions. Working people are speaking out with pride and passion, even as billionaires and corporate interests tried to use the United States Supreme Court today to attack public service workers, good union jobs and the health and safety of communities across America.
The presidents of the four largest public service unions in America issued the following statements about the collective power of these nationwide mobilizations, and about oral arguments in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31. They are available for further comment today:
“If the Supreme Court’s decision is based on merit, on facts and on the law, there’s no doubt they will rule in favor of working people. In the face of ruthless, dishonest attacks against their freedom to come together in strong unions, working people are drawing the line. We stand united in fighting a rigged system that rewards the super-wealthy at everyone else’s expense. And we will not rest until we build an economy where everyone has a voice on the job, a seat at the table and a chance to succeed.”
- Lee Saunders, President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
“This case isn’t about Mark Janus—it’s a ruse funded by the Kochs, the Bradleys, the DeVoses and other anti-union oligarchs to deny working folks the opportunity for a better life. Unions help make possible what would be impossible for individuals acting alone: living wages and a decent retirement, safe and welcoming public schools, affordable college and healthcare, and a voice in our democracy. They’re attacking us because they see a strong labor movement as a threat to their wealth and power.”
- Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
“Today, thousands of working people rallied outside the U.S. Supreme Court and around the country to send a message that, whatever the decision in this case, these oligarchs won’t stop working families from realizing our American dream. Make no mistake about it, we are living in a system that is rigged to benefit special interests and billionaires at the expense of American working people. It is no shock to most that is has become harder and harder for working people to get ahead and provide stability for their families. The corporate special interests behind this case are dead set on eliminating the rights and freedoms of working people to organize, to negotiate collectively and to have any voice in working to better their lives. This is a blatant slap in the face of educators, nurses, firefighters, police officers and all public servants who make our communities strong and safe.”
- Lily Eskelsen Garcia, President, National Education Association (NEA)
“Tens of thousands of working people have hit the streets to show that we won’t let any court case stop us from sticking together for the good, union jobs our communities need. Today we call on America’s elected leaders to take action to help more working people join together in unions to turn poverty-wage jobs into good, union jobs that provide financial security to families and strengthen communities.”
- Mary Kay Henry, President, Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Feb. 26, 2018
Contact:
AFSCME:
Marianne von Nordeck
202-812-0091
AFT:
Andrew Crook
607-280-6603
NEA:
Staci Maiers
202-270-5333
SEIU:
Sara Lonardo
202-730-7332
Joint Statement on Nationwide Mobilizations,
Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 Oral Arguments
WASHINGTON— Throughout the month of February, working people have been more energized and organized than any time in recent memory. There have been nationwide moments of silence and fast food strikes to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike. Tens of thousands took to the streets in at least 30 cities this weekend to demand an end to a rigged economy. Today, there are more than 500 worksite actions. Working people are speaking out with pride and passion, even as billionaires and corporate interests tried to use the United States Supreme Court today to attack public service workers, good union jobs and the health and safety of communities across America.
The presidents of the four largest public service unions in America issued the following statements about the collective power of these nationwide mobilizations, and about oral arguments in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31. They are available for further comment today:
“If the Supreme Court’s decision is based on merit, on facts and on the law, there’s no doubt they will rule in favor of working people. In the face of ruthless, dishonest attacks against their freedom to come together in strong unions, working people are drawing the line. We stand united in fighting a rigged system that rewards the super-wealthy at everyone else’s expense. And we will not rest until we build an economy where everyone has a voice on the job, a seat at the table and a chance to succeed.”
- Lee Saunders, President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
“This case isn’t about Mark Janus—it’s a ruse funded by the Kochs, the Bradleys, the DeVoses and other anti-union oligarchs to deny working folks the opportunity for a better life. Unions help make possible what would be impossible for individuals acting alone: living wages and a decent retirement, safe and welcoming public schools, affordable college and healthcare, and a voice in our democracy. They’re attacking us because they see a strong labor movement as a threat to their wealth and power.”
- Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
“Today, thousands of working people rallied outside the U.S. Supreme Court and around the country to send a message that, whatever the decision in this case, these oligarchs won’t stop working families from realizing our American dream. Make no mistake about it, we are living in a system that is rigged to benefit special interests and billionaires at the expense of American working people. It is no shock to most that is has become harder and harder for working people to get ahead and provide stability for their families. The corporate special interests behind this case are dead set on eliminating the rights and freedoms of working people to organize, to negotiate collectively and to have any voice in working to better their lives. This is a blatant slap in the face of educators, nurses, firefighters, police officers and all public servants who make our communities strong and safe.”
- Lily Eskelsen Garcia, President, National Education Association (NEA)
“Tens of thousands of working people have hit the streets to show that we won’t let any court case stop us from sticking together for the good, union jobs our communities need. Today we call on America’s elected leaders to take action to help more working people join together in unions to turn poverty-wage jobs into good, union jobs that provide financial security to families and strengthen communities.”
- Mary Kay Henry, President, Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Friday, February 23, 2018
AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Trump’s Comments About Arming Teachers
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Trump’s Comments About Arming Teachers
WASHINGTON—Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Trump’s proposals to arm teachers:
“I spoke to 60,000 educators last night in a telephone town hall. The response was universal, even from educators who are gun owners: Teachers don’t want to be armed, we want to teach. We don’t want to be, and would never have the expertise needed to be, sharp shooters; no amount of training can prepare an armed teacher to go up against an AR-15.
“One would have thought, after the president’s listening session, that he wouldn’t have put the agenda of gun manufacturers and the National Rifle Association over our students, educators and schools. The tweets today applauding the NRA, and ignoring educators and the students themselves, were despicable and diversionary. Teachers and school staff need to ensure schools are safe sanctuaries and not armed fortresses.
“Trump wants to spend money on bonuses for armed teachers yet has cut summer school and after-school programs, and he argues we can’t afford to pay for school safety programs, school nurses and counselors, and other programs that help kids.
“How would arming teachers even work? Would kindergarten teachers be carrying guns in holsters? Is every classroom now going to have a gun closet? Will it be locked? When you have seconds to act when you hear the code for an active shooter, is a teacher supposed to use those seconds getting her gun instead of getting her students to safety? Anyone who pushes arming teachers doesn’t understand teachers and doesn’t understand our schools. Adding more guns to schools may create an illusion of safety, but in reality it would make our classrooms less safe.”
February 22, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Trump’s Comments About Arming Teachers
WASHINGTON—Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Trump’s proposals to arm teachers:
“I spoke to 60,000 educators last night in a telephone town hall. The response was universal, even from educators who are gun owners: Teachers don’t want to be armed, we want to teach. We don’t want to be, and would never have the expertise needed to be, sharp shooters; no amount of training can prepare an armed teacher to go up against an AR-15.
“One would have thought, after the president’s listening session, that he wouldn’t have put the agenda of gun manufacturers and the National Rifle Association over our students, educators and schools. The tweets today applauding the NRA, and ignoring educators and the students themselves, were despicable and diversionary. Teachers and school staff need to ensure schools are safe sanctuaries and not armed fortresses.
“Trump wants to spend money on bonuses for armed teachers yet has cut summer school and after-school programs, and he argues we can’t afford to pay for school safety programs, school nurses and counselors, and other programs that help kids.
“How would arming teachers even work? Would kindergarten teachers be carrying guns in holsters? Is every classroom now going to have a gun closet? Will it be locked? When you have seconds to act when you hear the code for an active shooter, is a teacher supposed to use those seconds getting her gun instead of getting her students to safety? Anyone who pushes arming teachers doesn’t understand teachers and doesn’t understand our schools. Adding more guns to schools may create an illusion of safety, but in reality it would make our classrooms less safe.”
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Education Minnesota Professional Development Grants
Professional Development Grants are intended to provide education support professionals (ESPs**), higher education faculty of colleges and universities, and teachers with opportunities to take the lead in acquiring and sharing new skills and knowledge. These skills might include new instructional ideas, technology, working with parents, attending a conference, etc. You may request a grant to acquire these skills and share your new learnings with your colleagues.
For higher education faculty applicants, it is suggested that faculty seek in-kind funds to help finance the venture. Recipients of the higher education faculty grant must pay for all grant expenses out-of-pocket, and then submit receipts to the Education Minnesota Foundation for reimbursement.
ESPs and teachers may request up to $1,500, and higher education faculty may request up to $3,000.
Classroom, ESP, and Higher Education Faculty Professional Development Grants will be awarded twice per school year.
The fall deadline passed Nov. 1, 2017.
Dates for spring 2018 professional development grantsDeadline: 4 p.m., April 6, 2018
Grants awarded by: June 2018
Funds to be spent by: February 2019
Grants awarded by: June 2018
Funds to be spent by: February 2019
Review and Comment under Policy 3.32 College Faculty Credentialing for Proposed Development and/or Revision of Credential Fields and Minimum Qualifications
Proposed Revised Credential Fields and Minimum Qualifications
February 15, 2018
Note: Changes are in legislative
format with new language underlined and strike through of old language
Barbering Credential
Field –propose to retire this credential field
Counselor Credential Field: (no
proposed revision)
Education
Requirement:
Master’s
degree in counseling or counseling psychology
Dietetic Technology
Credential Field:
Proposed revisions
to minimum qualifications:
Education
Requirement:
Master’s
degree in dietetics or nutrition or a master’s degree in public health Master’s
degree in dietetics, or foods & nutrition, or food science.
Occupational
Experience Requirement:
Four two
full-time (or equivalent) years of verified related paid work experience in dietetics.
Recency
Requirement
One year of
this work experience shall be within the five years immediately preceding the
date of application for the credential field. The recency requirement shall be
waived if the individual has two years of successful full-time (or equivalent)
postsecondary teaching experience in the credential field within the last five
years.
Professional
Requirement
Minnesota Dietitian License by the Board of
Dietetics and Nutrition Practice and Registered Dietitian by The Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics American Dietetics Association
Equine Science Credential Field: (no
proposed revision)
Education
Requirement:
Bachelor’s
degree
Occupational
Experience Requirement:
Four
full-time years (or equivalent) of verified related paid work experience in
areas such as equine training, equestrian lessons, stable management, or
working in an equine nutrition laboratory or an equine reproduction laboratory.
Recency
Requirement
One year of
this work experience shall be within the five years immediately preceding the
date of application for the credential field. The recency requirement shall be
waived if the individual has two years of successful full-time (or equivalent)
postsecondary teaching experience in the credential field within the last five
years.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Proposed Revised Credential Fields and Minimum Qualifications
Proposed Revised Credential Fields and Minimum Qualifications
February 15, 2018
Note: Changes are in legislative
format with new language underlined and strike through of old language
Barbering Credential
Field –propose to retire this credential field
Counselor Credential Field: (no
proposed revision)
Education
Requirement:
Master’s
degree in counseling or counseling psychology
Dietetic Technology
Credential Field:
Proposed revisions
to minimum qualifications:
Education
Requirement:
Master’s
degree in dietetics or nutrition or a master’s degree in public health Master’s
degree in dietetics, or foods & nutrition, or food science.
Occupational
Experience Requirement:
Four two
full-time (or equivalent) years of verified related paid work experience in dietetics.
Recency
Requirement
One year of
this work experience shall be within the five years immediately preceding the
date of application for the credential field. The recency requirement shall be
waived if the individual has two years of successful full-time (or equivalent)
postsecondary teaching experience in the credential field within the last five
years.
Professional
Requirement
Minnesota Dietitian License by the Board of
Dietetics and Nutrition Practice and Registered Dietitian by The Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics American Dietetics Association
Equine Science Credential Field: (no
proposed revision)
Education
Requirement:
Bachelor’s
degree
Occupational
Experience Requirement:
Four
full-time years (or equivalent) of verified related paid work experience in
areas such as equine training, equestrian lessons, stable management, or
working in an equine nutrition laboratory or an equine reproduction laboratory.
Recency
Requirement
One year of
this work experience shall be within the five years immediately preceding the
date of application for the credential field. The recency requirement shall be
waived if the individual has two years of successful full-time (or equivalent)
postsecondary teaching experience in the credential field within the last five
years.
Feb. 15 edition, Pension Issues in the News
FEBRUARY 15, 2018
MINNESOTA NEWS + OPINION
Minneapolis
Star Tribune
The
problem with this entire debate is that pensions
are promises employers make to their employees in the form of deferred
compensation. Public employees
pay into their pensions through
contributions to the plan. The vast majority of Minnesota's public employees want a traditional pension plan, and ...
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Nowhere is this
more evident than in Dayton's inaction on two bedrock challenges influencing
efficient, fiscally sustainable government in the 21st century — managing the
public sector workforce and public pensions. To put it bluntly, all the
government process improvements and purchasing reform in ...
NATIONAL NEWS + OPINION
The
Courier-Journal
Will
the bill require a new method for government payments for public pensions called “level dollar”
funding – an approach that would more quickly reduce Kentucky's $43 billion
pension debts? If so, when and how will this be implemented are crucial
additional questions because this approach would ...
Lexington Herald Leader
A proposed
overhaul of Kentucky's public pension systems will not shift any existing or
future employees into a mandatory 401(k)-style retirement plan, Senate
President Robert Stivers said Wednesday. New teachers will have a choice of
several retirement plan options, including a traditional ...
Washington Post
Public unions have
lost touch not only with their own members but also with many in the larger
body politic, who wonder about paying taxes so public workers can get better
pensions and health care than they do, or why it's near-impossible to fire bad
teachers. Each time voters in historically blue ...
Jacobin magazine
When it comes to
pensions, they argue that the funds are bankrupt, implying that the funds
should be closed and the benefits terminated. The bankruptcy charge becomes a
special problem for public sector workers, since politicians — who control
their pay packages — are influenced by these ...
Chicago Tribune
Republican Gov.
Bruce Rauner's budget on Wednesday will propose having Chicago Public Schools,
downstate and suburban school districts and state universities pay more of
their teachers' pension costs, in an attempt to save state government millions
of dollars a year. The governor's plan is likely to ...
Bloomberg
Hunt acknowledged
that it's harder in the public pension space where lawmakers set the benefits
and the fund managers are tasked with generating enough return to cover those
promises. Still, he said he has advised public-pension clients to stop looking
for the highest-return hedge fund and “start ...
Police Officers Association of
Michigan
A new case study
from the National Institute on Retirement Security has been published. It
examines how taking away pensions from public safety workers, like firefighters
and police officers, in the Town of Palm Beach has created a mass exodus in our
professions.
The Rock River Times
SPRINGFIELD —
Illinois has a massive pension problem. A new report maintains that the biggest
contributor to the shortage isn't that state taxpayers have underpaid public retirements,
but politicians overpromised. In the last three decades, the five state-offered
public pension systems' benefits have ...
California Political Review
“Aspire Public
Schools, which operates 36 schools in California, opened talks with the
California Public Employees' Retirement System after the charter school
organization's board of directors unanimously voted in November to consider
leaving the $345 billion pension fund. Minutes from Aspire's ...
Chicago Tribune
Biss, a state
senator from Evanston, is among the top contenders in the March 20 Democratic
gubernatorial primary, and he's come under fire during the campaign for having
once championed an overhaul of public pensions that was detested by union
members and sympathizers in the Democratic base.
NJ.com
A 2017 Quinnipiac
University poll found seven in 10 New Jersey voters were in favor of raising
taxes on those with income over $1 million to raise cash for the public pension
system. But Murphy says he's not backing down. On Monday, the governor said
he's "still committed -- both on the revenue side ...
Alternet
Thanks to hedge
fund investments, public employees from Oregon to Wisconsin to California find
themselves pitted against Puerto Rico's retirees. While investigating the
holders of Puerto Rico's $74 billion in public debt, In These Times stumbled
across a hidden conflict: State and local pension funds ...
Bloomberg
California
Governor Jerry Brown said his successor likely would be able to cut public
pension benefits when state finances sour. ... for making cuts to public
pension benefits -- specifically a case before the state's Supreme Court in
which lower courts ruled that reductions to pensions are permissible if
the ...
Newsmax
Recent stock
market volatility could sting some U.S. public retirement funds in the short
term and lead to bigger state and local government contributions in the event
of a prolonged market downturn, pension analysts said. The portfolios of some funds
have bulked up on riskier and more volatile ...
The Register-Guard
Some rare good
news from the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System: Last year the pension
fund earned 15.3 percent on its invested assets, more than double its assumed
rate of return. The resulting gain erased $3 billion from PERS's $25.3 billion
unfunded liability. That's $3 billion that won't ...
WNPR News
He would also
restructure the funding of teachers' pensions, giving the state more time to
pay down large deficits in contributions. “Fiscal integrity remains our guiding
principle, that means we value achievable savings, realistic expectations and
long-term stability," the governor told reporters Monday.
National Public Pension
Coalition
Republican
legislators in Kentucky have not yet introduced legislation to shore up funding
for public pensions, despite months of discussion.
Pensions & Investments
30, up 10% from a
year earlier, thanks in part to outstanding market returns, Pensions &
Investments' annual survey found. Assets of defined benefit plans among the
.... Public pension plans, however, remain open to current employees and new
hires for the most part. On the corporate side, where most ...
Sacramento Bee
Most California
cities expect their spending on public employee pensions to climb by at least
50 percent over the next seven years, restricting their ability fund basic
services like public safety and parks, according to a study their lobbying
organization released on Thursday. The report escalates the ...
InsideClimate News
America's
third-largest public pension fund is ramping up its climate-savvy investments,
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced to global finance
leaders on Wednesday. The fund, a huge and influential investor, plans to
double its stake to $4 billion in a portfolio of companies that ...
Friday, February 16, 2018
AFT President Randi Weingarten on Senate Immigration Votes
For Immediate Release
Feb. 15, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-879-4733 Cell: 202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten on Senate Immigration Votes
WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Senate immigration votes:
"It's pathetic that the president of these United States would vilify immigrants, engage in xenophobic demagoguery, and use that rhetoric and his considerable bully pulpit to defeat any fair path to protect Dreamers—who are Americans in virtually every sense of the word and who have given so much to our country—even a path that provided substantial funds for his ‘wall.’ We are a nation of immigrants, including the president’s family, and we should build on that heritage instead of tearing it apart."
Feb. 15, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-879-4733 Cell: 202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten on Senate Immigration Votes
WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Senate immigration votes:
"It's pathetic that the president of these United States would vilify immigrants, engage in xenophobic demagoguery, and use that rhetoric and his considerable bully pulpit to defeat any fair path to protect Dreamers—who are Americans in virtually every sense of the word and who have given so much to our country—even a path that provided substantial funds for his ‘wall.’ We are a nation of immigrants, including the president’s family, and we should build on that heritage instead of tearing it apart."
Thursday, February 15, 2018
TIAA's Perspective on the Markets
Forwarded on behalf of the MSCF DCR Committee...
An Important Update
An Important Update
|
Dear TIAA Participant,
The recent volatility in financial markets is
top-of-mind for many investors, and we wanted to offer you our perspective on
these events.
Throughout our nearly 100-year history, we
have seen this type of market volatility many times before, with stock prices
falling in anticipation of higher interest rates. In the past, it has
not lasted long, and it has typically been a buying opportunity.
In our view, stock prices are falling as
markets adjust to a period of somewhat faster economic growth, somewhat higher
inflation and a somewhat more hawkish Fed. Those are late-cycle trends, and
late cycle has generally been good for stocks.
While inflation expectations have drifted up,
so have real interest rates. This equity market correction is less
about inflation fears and more about concerns that the Fed will tighten too
much or too soon. At this point, markets have priced in close to three
Federal Reserve rate hikes in 2018, and another in 2019. More
adjustment might be needed, but the bulk of it is behind us.
Ups and downs in the financial markets are
not unusual. We have tips for you to consider during times of market
volatility in a piece titled “What to
do – and what not to do – when markets get shaky.” Highlights
of the recommendations to help keep you on track toward your goals include:
Historically, regardless of the source of
volatility, markets have generally proved resilient over longer periods of
time. A TIAA advisor can evaluate whether a portfolio is built to
weather market storms – or if it needs shoring up so it can continue meeting
individual objectives.ii If you have any questions, please contact
your TIAA financial advisor. Thank you.
Sincerely,
TIAA
|
AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Florida School Shooting
For Immediate Release
Feb. 14, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-879-4733 Cell: 202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Florida School Shooting
WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Florida school shooting:
“This is the 18th school shooting this year. At least 17 people were killed today. May their memories be a blessing, but when is enough enough? We are devastated and horrified by yet another school shooting in our nation. The trauma and tragedy inflicted on the children, educators and parents of the Stoneman Douglas community can’t begin to be measured in this moment.
“We’ve been in close contact with our union leadership in the Broward Teachers Union all afternoon, and we will do everything we can to support our educators, children, parents and local in the days, weeks and even years to come. As we’ve sadly learned, the devastation and trauma of school shootings require years of healing and support. We will be there today, tomorrow and however long it takes to help the Stoneman Douglas community, and we will continue to fight to prevent gun violence from becoming the new normal in our schools.”
Feb. 14, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-879-4733 Cell: 202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Florida School Shooting
WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Florida school shooting:
“This is the 18th school shooting this year. At least 17 people were killed today. May their memories be a blessing, but when is enough enough? We are devastated and horrified by yet another school shooting in our nation. The trauma and tragedy inflicted on the children, educators and parents of the Stoneman Douglas community can’t begin to be measured in this moment.
“We’ve been in close contact with our union leadership in the Broward Teachers Union all afternoon, and we will do everything we can to support our educators, children, parents and local in the days, weeks and even years to come. As we’ve sadly learned, the devastation and trauma of school shootings require years of healing and support. We will be there today, tomorrow and however long it takes to help the Stoneman Douglas community, and we will continue to fight to prevent gun violence from becoming the new normal in our schools.”
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
AFT President Randi Weingarten Responds to President Trump’s Infrastructure Proposal
For Immediate Release
Feb. 12, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-879-4733 Cell: 202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten Responds to President Trump’s Infrastructure Proposal
WASHINGTON— Statement by AFT President Randi Weingarten in response to President Trump’s infrastructure proposal:
“Infrastructure investment has always been a win-win for communities—fixing and building new roads, bridges and tunnels; modernizing schools and our energy system; and spreading 21st-century technologies across the nation, which all help create and sustain living-wage jobs and small business. It’s never been intended to enrich Wall Street and profiteers—until now. Since President Trump and Republicans decided to spend trillions in tax breaks for the rich instead of investing in our infrastructure and creating jobs, they are left with a tin-cup strategy.
“Trump’s infrastructure proposal fails to put forth the federal investment to meet our most urgent infrastructure needs. It puts the burden on states and localities, which, after being double taxed through the elimination of the State and Local Tax deduction, would have to institute another tax—a triple tax—to pay for projects. The plan also lacks necessary labor standards to ensure workers are safe and get a decent wage, and it provides a huge windfall for Wall Street and corporations and imposes more tolls and expenses on America’s families. And the fact that it doesn’t include a cent for public schools speaks volumes about this administration’s lack of commitment to public education.
“As a union in the business of public-private partnerships, we understand their value. But private investment can’t take the place of necessary federal funding. Public-private partnerships shouldn’t be a vehicle for the privatization of public goods and services, and they shouldn’t be used to ensure Wall Street and hedge funds can make a quick buck off the backs of taxpayers.”
Feb. 12, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-879-4733 Cell: 202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten Responds to President Trump’s Infrastructure Proposal
WASHINGTON— Statement by AFT President Randi Weingarten in response to President Trump’s infrastructure proposal:
“Infrastructure investment has always been a win-win for communities—fixing and building new roads, bridges and tunnels; modernizing schools and our energy system; and spreading 21st-century technologies across the nation, which all help create and sustain living-wage jobs and small business. It’s never been intended to enrich Wall Street and profiteers—until now. Since President Trump and Republicans decided to spend trillions in tax breaks for the rich instead of investing in our infrastructure and creating jobs, they are left with a tin-cup strategy.
“Trump’s infrastructure proposal fails to put forth the federal investment to meet our most urgent infrastructure needs. It puts the burden on states and localities, which, after being double taxed through the elimination of the State and Local Tax deduction, would have to institute another tax—a triple tax—to pay for projects. The plan also lacks necessary labor standards to ensure workers are safe and get a decent wage, and it provides a huge windfall for Wall Street and corporations and imposes more tolls and expenses on America’s families. And the fact that it doesn’t include a cent for public schools speaks volumes about this administration’s lack of commitment to public education.
“As a union in the business of public-private partnerships, we understand their value. But private investment can’t take the place of necessary federal funding. Public-private partnerships shouldn’t be a vehicle for the privatization of public goods and services, and they shouldn’t be used to ensure Wall Street and hedge funds can make a quick buck off the backs of taxpayers.”
AFT President Weingarten: Trump-DeVos Budget Poses Lethal Threat to Public Education
For Immediate Release
Feb. 12, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Weingarten: Trump-DeVos Budget Poses Lethal Threat to Public Education
WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten in response to President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ education budget:
“President Trump and Secretary DeVos’ budget poses a lethal threat to public education.
“Trump and DeVos gave trillions in tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations, and, in this budget, they are taking billions from kids and public schools—particularly from those kids and schools in communities whose majorities are nonwhite or poor. Far from the softer image DeVos is trying to promote, this is a budget from an administration that is trying to set up public schools to fail.
“By putting forth a budget that includes the same cruel cuts as last year, Trump, DeVos and Vice President Pence show that they have failed to learn anything. This budget:
• Eliminates funding for community schools, lower class sizes, and after-school and summer programs;
• Strips professional development and training resources for teachers and paraprofessionals;
• Makes a mockery of Trump’s rhetoric calling for more career and technical education programs;
• Eviscerates programs that make college more affordable, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that enables and encourages thousands to enter into teaching and public service jobs; and
• Promotes failed voucher and for-profit strategies that aim to turn public education into an unregulated market.
“Just like DeVos locked us out last week, and with us, the 80,000 people who sent her comments we tried to deliver, Trump and DeVos don’t want to listen to what parents, teachers and communities want for their kids and schools.”
Feb. 12, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Weingarten: Trump-DeVos Budget Poses Lethal Threat to Public Education
WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten in response to President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ education budget:
“President Trump and Secretary DeVos’ budget poses a lethal threat to public education.
“Trump and DeVos gave trillions in tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations, and, in this budget, they are taking billions from kids and public schools—particularly from those kids and schools in communities whose majorities are nonwhite or poor. Far from the softer image DeVos is trying to promote, this is a budget from an administration that is trying to set up public schools to fail.
“By putting forth a budget that includes the same cruel cuts as last year, Trump, DeVos and Vice President Pence show that they have failed to learn anything. This budget:
• Eliminates funding for community schools, lower class sizes, and after-school and summer programs;
• Strips professional development and training resources for teachers and paraprofessionals;
• Makes a mockery of Trump’s rhetoric calling for more career and technical education programs;
• Eviscerates programs that make college more affordable, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that enables and encourages thousands to enter into teaching and public service jobs; and
• Promotes failed voucher and for-profit strategies that aim to turn public education into an unregulated market.
“Just like DeVos locked us out last week, and with us, the 80,000 people who sent her comments we tried to deliver, Trump and DeVos don’t want to listen to what parents, teachers and communities want for their kids and schools.”
AFT’s Weingarten on the Trump Healthcare Budget
For Immediate Release
Feb. 12, 2018
Contact:
Andrew Crook
202-393-8637 Cell: 607-280-6603
acrook@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT’s Weingarten on the Trump Healthcare Budget
WASHINGTON healthcare plan:
“Donald Trump is continuing the GOP’s assault on healthcare. Instead of making healthcare more accessible and affordable, so Americans are not one illness away from bankruptcy, Trump’s plan does the opposite. In the midst of a flu epidemic, this plan would make it harder, not easier, for families to get the care they need, when they need it. It does nothing to sufficiently halt spiraling prescription drug costs—once again breaking the president’s promises. It attacks Medicaid and Medicare, threatens women’s right to choose, assails workforce training programs, and proposes massive cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services. And it fails to cure healthcare workforce shortages.
“You’d think Trump would’ve got the message after Americans, and Congress, rejected his attempt to kill the Affordable Care Act. Now that he’s refloating the same tired plans, the AFT and our allies will marshal all resources at our disposal to ensure he’s defeated again.”
Feb. 12, 2018
Contact:
Andrew Crook
202-393-8637 Cell: 607-280-6603
acrook@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT’s Weingarten on the Trump Healthcare Budget
WASHINGTON healthcare plan:
“Donald Trump is continuing the GOP’s assault on healthcare. Instead of making healthcare more accessible and affordable, so Americans are not one illness away from bankruptcy, Trump’s plan does the opposite. In the midst of a flu epidemic, this plan would make it harder, not easier, for families to get the care they need, when they need it. It does nothing to sufficiently halt spiraling prescription drug costs—once again breaking the president’s promises. It attacks Medicaid and Medicare, threatens women’s right to choose, assails workforce training programs, and proposes massive cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services. And it fails to cure healthcare workforce shortages.
“You’d think Trump would’ve got the message after Americans, and Congress, rejected his attempt to kill the Affordable Care Act. Now that he’s refloating the same tired plans, the AFT and our allies will marshal all resources at our disposal to ensure he’s defeated again.”
Friday, February 9, 2018
AFT President Randi Weingarten Responds to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Locking Out Parents, Teachers and Students from Department of Education
For Immediate Release
February 8, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
February 8, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
|
AFT President Randi Weingarten Responds to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Locking Out Parents, Teachers and Students from Department of Education
Public School Parents,
Educators and Students Attempted to Deliver 80,000 Comments to DeVos on Needs
and Achievements of Public Schools
|
|
WASHINGTON—Statement of AFT
President Randi Weingarten after Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos locked
teachers, parents and students out of the Department of Education: “Secretary DeVos spends a lot of time listening to pollsters and profiteers who are trying to ‘soften’ her image and make money off kids and public schools, but today she locked out students, parents and educators who came to the Department of Education to tell her about what is happening in their public schools. “We told DeVos we were coming. We asked for an appointment. We had 80,000 comments from teachers, students and parents who just want to be heard and want DeVos to do her job to strengthen and support the great work happening in public schools across the country. She chose once again to reject and ignore the voices of those who educate in, learn in and send their kids to public schools—the schools that 90 percent of America’s children attend.” |
D2L Enrique's Journey Book Group Self-Registration Instructions
D2L Enrique's
Journey Book Group
Self-Registration
Instructions
Step 1: Go to the Minnesota State
D2L website: https://mnsite.ims.mnscu.edu/ (https://minnsite.earn.minnstate.edu after
December 27) and enter your
StarID and Password.
Step 2: Click on Self Registration near the top
of the D2L Homepage.
Step 3: Self Registering Course
Offerings – select “Enrique’s Journey Book Group”
Step 4: Description – when new pop-up window opens click on “Register”
Step 5: Registration Form - enter Email Address, select Okay and click on “Submit”
Step 6: Confirmation – click “Finish”
Step 4: Description – when new pop-up window opens click on “Register”
Step 5: Registration Form - enter Email Address, select Okay and click on “Submit”
Step 6: Confirmation – click “Finish”
Step 7: Registration Summary – click “Done”
Step 8: You will receive a Confirmation Email
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Immigration and our Immigrant Students Book Group - Registration Open!
Spring 2018 Book Group & D2L Brightspace Course
A Professional Development
Opportunity for All Faculty and Staff
What: Statewide opportunity to read, discuss, interact, share and learn with
a book on a topic of interest and relevance for our work. The topic is
immigration and learning about our immigrant students and communities. Created by: Rebecca
March and Cheryl Neudauer, Minneapolis Community and Technical College
The book is Enrique’s Journey: The Story of a Boy's Dangerous Odyssey to
Reunite with His Mother.
This is a true story from award-winning
journalist Sonia Nazario recounting the odyssey of a Honduran boy who braves
hardship and peril to reach his mother in the United States. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/158277.Enrique_s_Journey
Who: All faculty
and staff from any Minnesota State college or university are invited to
participate. We also encourage campuses
to:
·
have conversations/meetings on your
campus to complement our work together
·
use a buddy system to move through any
of the book group activities with a colleague
·
purchase copies of books for employees on
your campus (for example, through the library, center for teaching and
learning, diversity office, etc.)
When: Between February-April 2018
How: This professional development opportunity has two main
parts:
1.
Three 90-minute virtual Adobe Connect meetings
to discuss how the experiences and perspectives in this book relate to our
students and communities.
a.
Thursday, Feb 22, 12:00-1:30 pm
b.
Thursday, March 22, 12:00-1:30 pm
c.
Thursday, April 26, 12:00-1:30 pm
2.
D2L Brightspace course to explore issues related
to immigration, helping immigrant students succeed, and understanding our
communities and the news. The “course”
will use short, asynchronous, interactive activities to help us explore how we
can better serve our students, connect across the system, and share resources.
Participate in as much or as little as you’d like or your schedules
allow! For example, you
could 1) complete some or all
of the D2L Brightspace activities and not join the online meetings, 2) attend some or all of the online
meetings and not participate in the D2L Brightspace course, 3) join us even if you have not read the
book to learn with colleagues!
Contact:
Kimberly Johnson, Ph.D., Director for Faculty and
Instructional Development
AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Bipartisan Senate Budget Deal
For Immediate Release
February 7, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-879-4733 Cell: 202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Bipartisan Senate Budget Deal
WASHINGTON—Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Senate budget deal:
“We are glad the Republican Senate leadership—which found a way to give trillions away in tax cuts to the wealthy and big corporations—understood they had to work with Democrats to find resources to fund the programs and services Americans rely on from the federal government. The bipartisan Senate budget deal appears to move in the right direction by increasing funding for education, healthcare, hurricane recovery, the military and other vital programs. Now that this budget deal has been reached, the Senate must move forward, as Sen. McConnell promised, with a floor debate and vote on keeping Dreamers from deportation.”
February 7, 2018
Contact:
Marcus Mrowka
202-879-4733 Cell: 202-531-0689
mmrowka@aft.org
www.aft.org
AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Bipartisan Senate Budget Deal
WASHINGTON—Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Senate budget deal:
“We are glad the Republican Senate leadership—which found a way to give trillions away in tax cuts to the wealthy and big corporations—understood they had to work with Democrats to find resources to fund the programs and services Americans rely on from the federal government. The bipartisan Senate budget deal appears to move in the right direction by increasing funding for education, healthcare, hurricane recovery, the military and other vital programs. Now that this budget deal has been reached, the Senate must move forward, as Sen. McConnell promised, with a floor debate and vote on keeping Dreamers from deportation.”
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
State workforce, national pension trends discussed at LCPR
Feb. 6,
2018
State workforce, national pension trends
discussed at LCPR
The
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) on Tuesday heard a
presentation on national public pension trends from Alex Brown, research
manager at the National Association of State Retirement Administrators (NASRA),
and testimony from State Demographer Susan Brower on trends and forecasts for
public employment in Minnesota.
Brown
called attention to differences between Minnesota and other areas of the United
States in pension policy and spending. He noted that the employer-employee
contribution rate in Minnesota is more evenly split than in other states (most
often the employer contribution rate is higher than the employee’s share).
He said
that nationally in fiscal year 2015, about 4.6 percent of state and local
government spending went to pensions. In Minnesota, only about 2.3 percent of
state and local government spending went to pensions. In addition, the normal
retirement age in Minnesota, age 66, is higher than the national median of age
63. Minnesota public workers also fund a higher percentage of their benefits
than the national median. Brown mentioned some of the reforms in the U.S. in
recent years, including lowering benefits, raising contributions, conversion to
hybrid plans, and the transfer of risk from employer to employee.
Brower
presented data on Minnesota’s aging population, the resulting projected
workforce changes, and the impact of growing diversity on the state labor
force. The transition to an older Minnesota has begun, and the aging of the
population will change demand for public services – especially health and human
services and K-12 education, she said. As baby boomers continue to transition
to retirement, labor force growth is projected to slow over the next decade,
transforming the state workforce in the process.
Brower
said that the state government workforce is heavily weighted toward older
workers, which shows how defined-benefit pension plans do appear to help
attract and retain workers. In Minnesota, trend lines show that workers tend to
stay employed in state government for a long time.
Both
presenters’ slides are available on the LCPR website:
Working People's Day of Action
SATURDAY,
FEBRUARY
24
State Capitol Rotunda
75 Martin
Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul,
MN
10:30 a.m.
Hosts: AFSCME, Education Minnesota, SEIU, MAPE, Teamsters, Inter-Faculty Organization, Minnesota Nurses
Association, Middle Management Association, MN AFL-CIO and Jobs With Justice
Questions: 651-450-4990 Everyone
is welcome.
Bring friends and
family.
ON FEBRUARY 24,
join thousands of working people and our allies and stand up for our freedom to come together in strong unions and fight. Fight
for equitable pay. Fight for affordable health care, quality
schools, vibrant communities and a secure future
for all of us. Demand
an end to a system that’s rigged against working
people.
Corporate elites, extremists and corrupt politicians who do their bidding
have rigged the rules of our economy
and our democracy against us.
Now wealthy special
interests want to further rig
the system in a Supreme
Court case called
Janus
v. AFSCME Council 31,
which attempts to divide working people and limit our power in numbers because
unions give workers
a powerful voice in speaking up for themselves, their families and
their communities.
When we join forces and stick together, we are unstoppable. Fifty years ago, Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. joined striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, as they fought for the freedom to join together
in a strong union and for dignity and respect
on the job.
On February 24, working people and our allies will rise up to
defend the very freedoms for which Dr. King fought
and died. Join the Working People’s
Day of Action.
Visit www.ItsAboutFreedom.org to learn more and RSVP to an action.
026-18
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