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AFT-Maryland Statement on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021

Every year we undertake the solemn task of honoring and remembering the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year feels like there’s an urgency to his words and memory. The spirit of national unity has been stretched thin by those seeking to support white supremacy.

Thankfully there are many more of us who heed and believe the words of Dr. King than there are of those who would divide us and promote racist, sexist fascism. The challenge for us is to not only remember Dr. King’s words, but to practice them. ...

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Statement on the Passing of Thomas V. "Mike" Miller

Thomas V. "Mike" Miller's passing deeply saddened all of us at AFT-Maryland. His contributions to Maryland politics over the last 33 years are well documented but what we remember most about him was the ways he continued to push Maryland forward with a personal touch that each person he encountered felt.

Senate President Emeritus Miller, as his colleagues named him, was a steadfast leader who was a friend to working people and particularly public employees, seeing they got their fair share. In particular, he worked with the state federation to advance education, and protections for the public employees that make Maryland the state that it is. He was a lion of the state senate and will be sorely missed.

AFT-Maryland extends our deepest condolences to his wife Patti, their five children, 15 grandchildren, and the countless people across Maryland he's touched and will feel his loss. 

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Capitol Hill Domestic Terrorism Statement

The violence that took place yesterday was absolutely disgusting. Our country is one that operates on the rule of law and belief in that law. When elected leaders threaten to undermine the rule and overturn the will of the American voters, and go on to incite others to violently attempt to overturn the will of the people, our democracy loses all moral standing. The President and his allies in Congress should be ashamed of themselves. The rambunctious MAGA supporters who operated in rebellion to the United States should be ashamed of themselves and most importantly, we as a country should be ashamed of ourselves.

The country has a dark history of meeting every effort to expand democracy and...

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AFT-Maryland Statement on the Inauguration of Mayor Brandon M. Scott

Today marks a new beginning for the city of Baltimore. Our resilient city has faced a number of challenges yet time and again we have risen above them. With the inauguration of Brandon Scott, a son of our great city, the page turns on a new chapter in Baltimore's history. Mayor Scott enters office with the support of all the unions of the AFT-Maryland. We look forward to working with him where we anticipate a productive relationship that benefits every Baltimore city education professional, city employee as well as the people and community we serve. Mayor Scott's experience as a councilman and council president has prepared him for this moment and we are eager to see him take the reins of city leadership.

There will be changes in the City Council President's office as well as City Comptroller...

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Statement on the passing of Sen. Paul Sarbanes

The passing of Sen. Paul Sarbanes is heartbreaking to all of us. He was a political titan in the state of Maryland and truly worked for all Maryland workers and families. He first came on the political scene when he drafted an article of impeachment against Richard Nixon. Since then, his tireless efforts have always prioritized Marylanders and the American people.

Locally, he remained committed to Marylanders since his days in the House of Delegates. Each successive office he reached, he continued to check in with local leaders in Baltimore to ensure that federal legislation would not leave out Maryland. He served as...

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Safe School Reopening Press Conference

AFT-Maryland Locals and Other Union Leaders Join for Solidarity Press Conference on Safe School Reopening.

Leaders from AFT-Maryland's Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) Local 340 and City Union of Baltimore (CUB) Local 800 joined with leadership from AFSCME Local 558 in protesting the planned reopening of Baltimore City Public Schools. The leaders each expressed their concern for the safety and welfare of students, staff, and families should any city schools reopen on Monday as proposed.

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Healthcare workers ask for assurances from experts about COVID-19 vaccines

Unions representing approximately 2 million healthcare workers have called for independent third-party experts to validate any COVID-19 vaccine before they will receive or administer it. In a joint statement, the AFT, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the Service Employees International Union said, “Given [the Trump administration’s] record of politicization of public health, it is impossible for us to take or promote any vaccine without additional assurance from independent experts that the approval process has not been tainted. Once they recommend a specific vaccine or vaccines, we will be eager to work with federal, state and local bodies and with the leadership of the healthcare community and the communities we serve and live in to accurately educate the public and promote a fair and effective vaccination program for distributing this desperately needed vaccine.” Read the full press release here.

On the Passing of Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian

AFT-Maryland President Marietta English Statement
on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian

When giants the size of Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis passed, the country rightfully paused to reflect on the way they helped shape our nation into a more perfect union. It's important that we reflect on what these men fought for and how that fight remains. They fought for justice and equality here in the United States. Rev. Vivian was heralded by none other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the "greatest preacher to ever live." His moral clarity and willingness to sacrifice are a guide to every freedom fighter. One such fighter was 16 years his junior but would go on to be his colleague.

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Statement on Gov Hogan's Veto of Blueprint for Maryland's Future / Kirwan

AFT-Maryland Statement on Gov. Hogan's Veto of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Legislation aka Kirwan & Revenue Generating Legislation

Baltimore, MD - AFT-Maryland is deeply disappointed in Governor Hogan's decision to ignore the bi-artisan enactment of the Kirwan Commission School reforms. With his veto of HB1300, the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, Governor Hogan has unfortunately reverted to out-of-date and tired rhetoric that has proven to be ineffective at bringing positive change to public education. To do so in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that is exposing the resource gaps of so many Baltimore city students is disappointing.

The commission which worked for nearly four years to deliberate and put forth these recommendations not only had numerous

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