AFT

“By effectively freezing the nation’s student loan system, the new administration seems intent on making life harder for working people, including for millions of borrowers who have taken on student debt so they can go to college." -AFT President Randi Weingarten

"So much human suffering. So much progress squandered. And for what? They are betraying working people to pave the way for another round of tax cuts for the rich—robbing Peter to pay for Elon’s tax cuts."

It's been a week. Again. The relentless attacks on public education, teachers, and democracy aren’t just policy debates—they’re real, harmful cuts that will devastate students, families, and entire communities. In my latest Share My Lesson blog, I dive into what’s at stake here at home, and why this isn’t just a D.C. issue—it’s a nationwide crisis. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZ2XVuM5 And for Hamilton fans, don't miss my latest music remix using AI. AI Educator Brain

On March 4, we came together. Across the country, in towns big and small, educators, parents, students, and community members stood up for our public schools, our kids, and our communities. From rallies and walk-ins to press events and legislative visits, the energy was unstoppable.?There is power of our movement—the voices, the passion, and the unwavering commitment to protecting public education from harmful cuts. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and took action. Together, we are making a difference.?#ProtectOurKids

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and AFT President Randi Weingarten write: "Trump's plan is clear. By defunding and dismantling public education and other democratic institutions, he hopes to oversee the privatization and fragmentation of government services." Learn more about the Protect Our Kids Day of Action on March 4 and why it's important connect the fight for public education with civil rights.

"Every worker deserves a safe a secure retirement. Just this week we saw Tesla stock continue to sink faster than a Cybertruck in quicksand. So we're asking asset managers to honestly look at their investments in Tesla." -AFT President Randi Weingarten https://lnkd.in/er_yahCZ

Join us tonight?(Wednesday, Feb. 19),?to prepare for the?March 4 "Protect Our Kids" Day of Action. The Trump administration’s plan to?gut the U.S. Department of Education?and slash federal funding would devastate millions of students—especially those in underserved communities. If enacted, these cuts would: ?? Strip?26 million vulnerable kids?of critical educational services. ?? Deny?7.5 million students with disabilities?the special education support they need. ?? Make college unaffordable for?10 million working-class families?by slashing Pell Grants and student loans. ?? Cut?career and technical education for 12 million students, threatening their job opportunities. We must fight back. This webinar will equip you with the tools and resources to take action in your community. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/etEuVCWg

AFT President Randi Weingarten writes: "As President Donald Trump and Elon Musk swing a wrecking ball at the U.S. Department of Education, I’m wondering if it’s due to a lack of understanding of the department’s vital functions, or because funding tax cuts for the wealthy is more important to them than building our future, or because they simply don’t care about the collateral damage to our students, public schools and country. As a civics teacher, I want to use this teachable moment to describe what the Education Department does (and doesn’t do)—and what’s at risk if Trump and Musk succeed."

The worst tuberculosis outbreak in American history is happening in Kansas. Californians need immediate fire relief. People in Florida and North Carolina need ongoing hurricane relief.?Children with disabilities; families in need of housing; seniors who rely on Medicaid for healthcare; low-income pregnant women; students with loans and grants; children enrolled in Head Start; police, fire, healthcare and other first responders—all rely on funds from the federal government, and the current president is halting all of that. Federal programs need to be more efficient, but no one voted for a president to halt their services—services that were appropriated, authorized and extended by Congress. Americans need a federal government that works for them, not against them. As representatives of education, healthcare and public service professionals, we will fight so Americans don’t get hurt because of this cruel, cavalier recklessness.