AFT-Maryland had a busy legislative session, working to get several bills passed and signed into law. Gov. Larry Hogan held a signing ceremony for three bills that affected locals in the state federation. One was a bill placing employees at the Maryland School for the Deaf into the State Personnel Management System. This was a bill that MSD and AFT-Maryland worked hard over the course of several sessions to get passed. Teachers at the Maryland School for the Deaf are fully considered state employees and are no longer contractual.

The other two bills signed were pieces of legislation of

See below for a statement from AFT-Maryland President Marietta English on the election of Delegate Adrienne Jones to Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.

2019-05-01

AFT-Maryland joins with the entire state in mourning the passing of Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch. He was a life-long servant of the citizens of Maryland and a friend to labor and education.

His leadership in the Maryland House of Delegates has been beyond remarkable. He ensured that no matter what was happening statewide, students and teachers wouldn't be sacrificed. He also made sure state workers had a voice in policy that affected them.

We will miss his leadership, kind smile, and warm personality. Our deepest and sincere condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult

After being snowed out in early February, leaders and selected members of AFT-Maryland locals gathered in Annapolis for their annual legislative reception. At this event, members and leaders interact with Delegates and state Senators in a light-hearted social affair. While the mood is light-hearted, business is always on the menu. Each year, union leaders discuss the bills and issues important to their membership and get caught up on the progress of legislation that will affect their union.

This year, the reception was rescheduled for a Monday in mid-March. Unfortunately it was also the day