Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Although not a traditional calendar month, the state federation joins with the rest of the country to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hispanic Americans. This community is built from a broad diaspora made up of people primarily from Central and South America. Many nations claimed their independence between September 15th and October 15th. Among the nations that welcome the fresh air of independence during this month-long period are Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Hispanic Americans have played a vital role in shaping the United States into the country it is today. Often that role has been...

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The first week of school is important for education professionals and students to get the year off to a great start. AFT Maryland spent the week visiting members in schools to support the start of a fantastic 2024-25 school year.

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Labor Day marks the end of the summer while honoring and acknowledging working people. This holiday is famous for cookouts and parades, but the holiday holds special significance to us in the labor movement. It is a day off that has been earned and fought for by the countless labor advocates who have struggled along the way. It is a holiday that working people should hold in the deepest regard because it is a reflection of all of us.

Labor Day is a day of reflection, but reflection alone feels insufficient. In times such as these when it feels like there are constant attacks on workers and working people, the only solution we have is solidarity and active engagement...

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The Social Security Fairness Act Gains Overwhelming Bipartisan Support with 325 Cosponsors

The Social Security Fairness Act, a bill pending in the U.S. House of Representatives, would correct injustices by repealing both the WEP and GPO, ensuring that teachers, park rangers, and other public sector workers receive the full Social Security benefits they are entitled to.

Under current law, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reduces the Social Security benefits of individuals who received a pension from government employment. The Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduces benefits for those whose spouses received a government pension. Combined, these provisions have unfairly penalized retirees, denying them the full benefits they have earned over their careers. [...]

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Baltimore City receives a new collection of teachers every year who are eager to make an impact on the young scholars in their classrooms. Before those excited teachers take their place in the classroom, it is vital they are prepared for the unique challenges and opportunities that being a Baltimore City educator provides. To reach that goal, the district provides an opportunity for new teachers to network with fellow new teachers and learn from those who have experience in the field. The New Teacher Summer Institute (NTSI) is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to be prepared to hit the ground running ahead of the new school year. This year’s event was held at Digital Harbor High School and AFT Maryland was once again in attendance.

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Nothing says summer in Maryland like a trip to the shore. Although the legislative session does not start for roughly another five months, everyone begins to wrap their minds around state policy in the middle of August during the Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference (MACo) in Ocean City, MD. A trip to the beach in the dead of August sounds like it would be a good time, but this conference is not about fun and games. Elected officials, advocates, lobbyists, and others arrive on the Eastern Shore of Maryland to greet one another, but more importantly gather to lay the groundwork for important policy agendas for the 2025 legislative session. The theme for this year’s conference was “Turning the Tide.”

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