The AFT-Maryland was active in the Baltimore community Saturday Sept. 17th, participating in two events. The first was an AFL-CIO kickoff for Maryland. The event featured politicians from across the state rallying supporters and energizing the base in advance of this November’s elections. It was a well-attended, star studded affair that featured the likes of Sen. Ben Cardin, Congressman John Sarbanes, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Congressman C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger and former Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.
They were greeted by an excited audience of union members and supporters who listened to their plans to affect change in Congress. Van Hollen and Ruppersberger are both their party’s nominee for their respective seats (U.S. Senate & Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District) and will rely on labor’s strength in turning out votes for them. Sarbanes is also facing a tough race, but is expected to win. Brown won the primary for Maryland’s 4th Congressional District and is expected to be the next Congressman representing that community.
Meanwhile, in Baltimore County members and staff of the federation participated in the Baltimore County African American Heritage Festival. Members and staff registered voters and distributed books to attendees both young and old. Among those who were in attendance were Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees (BCFPE) President John Ripley. The AFT-Maryland reached many young people with the book distribution and the impressive number of young adults that registered to vote.
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