Visit the Political Hub

The political season is well underway, and your union is busy providing services that will make it easier for members to participate in our democracy. AFT-Maryland's Political Hub is a one-stop web hub for members that can help you find information to register to vote, identify your representatives in state and local government, keep abreast of legislation in Annapolis that affects your work, identify various candidates running for office, understand the AFL-CIO endorsement process, and much more.

AFT to host Public Service Loan Forgiveness webinar in Spanish

In partnership with the National Education Association, the AFT is hosting a webinar in Spanish on the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For those who want to learn about the relief available under this program—in Spanish—mark your calendars for Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. EDT. PSLF enables public service workers—teachers, firefighters, librarians, etc.—to have the balance of their federal higher education loans forgiven after 10 years. So far, more than 175,000 people have had more than $10 billion in loans forgiven. Register here.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is one of the most diverse periods of celebration on our national calendar. This period is so rich because of the wide-range of Americans who have Hispanic ancestry. The month is a period of recognition for people whose ancestors come from far reaching places such as Spain, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. The unique customs from each group enliven and enrich the American experience. 

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Sharing more pathways to student debt relief

As the landscape of student debt shifts, and more and more opportunities allow borrowers to have their debt relieved, the AFT is using every avenue to ensure that the word is out. In affiliate meetings, telephone town halls, media coverage and social media, the union is spreading the news, and at a student debt clinic at AFT headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 31, AFT President Randi Weingarten vowed to reach as many people as possible with information that could save them tens—and sometimes hundreds—of thousands of dollars.

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Our hearts are with the Mervo High School Community

As students and staff of Baltimore city public schools return today after the violence on Friday, our hearts continue to be with the Mervo High School community. The pain and trauma of the violence at the school rippled across the city touching each and every person who works with students or has a young person in their life. We are deeply saddened by the horrific event causing Baltimore to lose another promising young man to senseless gun violence. 

Returning to school, even after a long weekend, can be a difficult reminder of the very real and present dangers our young people face on a daily basis. We echo the calls of President Diamonté Brown of the Baltimore Teachers Union when she says...

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Happy Labor Day 2022

Happy Labor Day weekend, members! For workers, this day is among the most sacred in our country. It is the only federal holiday on the calendar set aside to acknowledge labor.

Today, the labor movement is under a vicious attack. The Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 decision sought to undermine the public employee labor movement while our siblings in the private sector labor movement are constantly fighting against wage theft, non-payment, and insufficient wages for an honest day’s work. Our strength is in our solidarity. Workers across the country are under attack, but there is hope. We are fighting back.

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