AFT-Maryland and Baltimore Teachers Union members testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, in opposition to HB 878, a proposed expansion in current state charter school laws. Maryland already has some of the best, strongest charter laws in the nation, and our members want to keep it that way.

Megan Trainer, of Hampstead Hill Academy Public Charter School, praised her school’s creative and unique approach to education while being appreciative of the oversight of both her school’s administration and the oversight of Baltimore City Public Schools. She

Annapolis, Feb. 23, 2017:  AFT-Maryland and Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) President Marietta English addressed the Maryland House of Delegates Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and Economic Development to address MSDE aid to education. President English had the support of staff and members of the BTU and AFT-Maryland in attendance with her. She addressed the body and spoke of the financial shortcomings of Baltimore City Public Schools. Rather than focus on the pending $130 million deficit, she reminded legislators that Governor Hogan's current budget calls for a $42 million

The AFT-Maryland brought together Maryland Legislators and the leadership of the collective unions of the state federation for a reception in Annapolis. More than 20 members of the Maryland General Assembly were in attendance and discussed important education and public employee issues facing the General Assembly this session.

The invitation-only event was held at the Maryland Inn and gave union leaders direct access to address their concerns to some of the people who will set the legislative course for Maryland. Among the issues discussed were funding for Baltimore City schools, COLA

The AFT-Maryland was in Annapolis Monday, January 30th for the 2017 Lobby Night. Members from across the entire federation addressed state elected officials on everything including budget items, education, and legislation dealing with state workers. Many of the Delegates and state Senators welcomed the AFT-Maryland and took time to discuss the issues that concerned our membership. Many also stood in solidarity with the federation offering their support on legislation deemed crucial by many of our members.

Our members addressed one of the huge elephants in the room—the budget crisis

AFT-Maryland in conjunction with a number of community partners and union allies participated in the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools (AROS) National Day of Action to #ReclaimOurSchools on Thursday January 19th at City Springs Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore. In addition to members of the state federation, sisters and brothers from the Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO were also present. Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO President Jermain Jones was in attendance, as were members of National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

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