Lawsuit Filed Challenging the Ban on School Employee Payroll DeductionOn Wednesday, April 4, we filed a federal court challenge to the new law banning school districts from deducting union dues from their employees' checks. Together with the with the MEA, AFSCME, and SEIU, we argue that this bill is unconstitutional retribution for the political speech of union leaders. In the press release, David Hecker said, "The day this bill passed the Legislature, we wrote to Gov. Snyder outlining the constitutional problems with this unfair law. By signing this bill, he clearly ignored the fact that there is no rational reason for this to be law. The House Fiscal Agency says this won't save money - in fact, it may cost some districts money to enact the change."Download full Press Release >>
Current Capitol ReportThe April issue of the AFT Michigan Capitol Report is now available in the Take Action area of our site.
Protect Collective Bargaining in MichiganToday, (3/6/12) AFT Michigan has joined with labor and community groups to launch a petition drive to amend the Michigan Constitution to protect collective bargaining rights and strengthen working families. We are proud to be a part of this effort to be proactive in the face of the anti-worker measures coming out of Lansing. Petitions will be coming to your worksite and community, please sign.Protect Our Jobs website: http://www.ProtectOurJobs.com Petition Language Worksite Flyer
Ensuring a Strong School Employees Retirement SystemIt is possible to strengthen the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) while lowering employer costs. We ask legislators to fully consider the substantial changes recently enacted, which are beginning to create substantial savings for employers - with far greater savings ahead. Our state should find collaborative ways of lowering employer costs while preserving a secure retirement for the women and men who educate our students.Download Policy Brief >>
Looking For A Few Good Acts!AFT National is looking to showcase AFT Michigan students in the Fine and Performing Arts at the AFT Convention in Detroit, July 27-29, 2012. If you would like to have your students considered to showcase their talent in person at the convention, please forward a brief summary about what their performance or activity will entail. You may also submit a video of an activity of students performing to be shown throughout the convention. Please forward summaries and/or videos to Lois Lofton Doniver, ldoniver@aftmichigan.org, or AFT Michigan, 2661 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48207 no later than May 1, 2012.
Rollie Hopgood Future Teacher ScholarshipEvery year AFT Michigan awards 6 scholarships to assist graduating seniors, graduating children of AFT Michigan members, and AFT Michigan support staff who have a goal of becoming a teacher. Applications for the 2012 year must be postmarked or received in the AFT Michigan Detroit office by 4:30 p.m., May 31, 2012.Application for an AFT Michigan member seeking teacher certification Application for a graduating senior of an AFT Michigan member Application for a graduating senior at an AFT Michigan represented high school
Performance-Based Funding and Michigan UniversitiesWhile many other states have tried and discarded performance-based funding, some are proposing it as a strategy to increase student success at our universities. AFT Michigan's more than 14,000 higher education members believe the legislature should prioritize restoring basic funding levels for our colleges and universities; completing development of a longitudinal PreK-post secondary student data system; and developing a framework for student success reporting for each campus and program based on benchmarking against similar institutions.Download full issue brief on performance-based funding >> Download press release >>
Do We Need More Cyber Charter Schools?Senate Bill 619 (H-3), has passed the Senate and is currently before the House. It seeks to expand enrollment in online learning for Michigan's children without regard for past success or sustainability. These Cyber schools would get the full foundation allowance with no oversight or accountability, and would not have to comply with the same transparency, curriculum, or grade level content standards. We oppose SB 619 and urge you to send an email to your legislators asking them to vote NO on the bill.
Expansion of Dual EnrollmentSenate Bills 622(H-2), 623(H-2), 709(H-1), and 710(H-2), have passed the Senate and is in front of the full Michigan House soon. These bills would broaden the current guidelines for dual enrollment participation by amending the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act and the Career and Technical Education Act. AFT Michigan supports dual enrollment for High School Students, but these bills have some serious flaws. These bills increase the drain on state revenues with home-schooled and private-school pupils accessing tuition free higher education paid for by tax-payers! We urge you to send a letter to your Representative asking them to vote NO on these bills.
Download .pdf >>
|
|
Where do the Presidential Candidates Stand on AFT Issues?
