Legislative

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

HB 01—Paid Sick Leave: SUPPORT
Even though members of the AFT-Maryland enjoy earned sick leave thanks to collectively bargained contracts, the people we serve—from students to families that can sometimes be struggling to make ends meet—would certainly benefit.

HJ002—Repeal Maryland’s call for a constitutional convention: SUPPORT
In the 70s, the Maryland legislature passed a call for a Constitutional Convention to amend the US Constitution. Since that time, numerous other states have called for a convention, while the national political field has become less stable. In uncertain political

Many of the buildings that are owned or leased by the state are so old, the poor air quality in these buildings has been harming the health of state workers. Members of AFT-Maryland are proposing the Indoor Air Quality in State Owned and Leased Buildings Act, and have secured the sponsorship of Delegate Stephen Lafferty from Baltimore County to author this bill. The act ensures the Maryland Secretary of Labor will develop a comprehensive indoor air quality standard that requires state-owned and leased buildings to develop a program and written plan describing how high air quality standards

The Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Fund was approved for $5 million without any public hearing. Every attempt to pass the bill through the General Assembly failed. Meanwhile, Maryland public schools need approximately an additional $3 billion in order to be properly funded, according to leading experts. Countless stories of Maryland public school teachers purchasing supplies for their classrooms with their own personal money exists due to this shortfall. Governor Hogan has proposed expanding this program without further vetting.

AFT-Maryland opposes the