CFT March Summit kicks off in Sacramento
The CFT March Summit kicked off yesterday under the theme ‘Standing Together,’ with over 200 CFT leaders and activists from throughout the state gathering to take part in panels, workshops, and strategy sessions. The weekend also includes the CFT State Council on Saturday, which is the highest governing body of the union outside of the biennial convention.
The summit comes at a critical time for our public schools and our country, and is an opportunity to build the union to face many upcoming challenges, including an uncertain budget future and the pivotal November election.
Pictured above is Cheryl Kearse, the Vice President of Membership AFT Local 4522, who took part in the Thursday panel on cultural proficiency. Cheryl is one of many rank-and-file members taking a leadership role at the summit.
Citizenship fair helps legal permanent residents understand the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen
Last weekend over 200 people attended the second Together We Rise Citizenship Clinic and fair in Los Angeles, with dozens of legal permanent residents taking part in individual counseling sessions to understand the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen and to access the resources to help them complete their application.
“The Together We Rise Citizenship Clinics are an opportunity for us to give back to the community. Helping the families we serve take this one final step to become U.S. citizens will mean greater stability for them and greater opportunity for their children,” said CFT Executive Vice President Juan Ramirez, who helped organize the event along with leaders and activists from El Rancho Federation of Teachers, UTLA, and other community organizations.
In addition to counseling, the event also celebrated students, educators, and parents with free books, school supplies, resources, food, and health screenings.
Students shine in new CFT March in March video
Thanks again to all those who made the March in March last week a success. Check out this great video, which highlights the powerful words of some of the the many students who participated in the day of action.
File your taxes for free with Direct File
This tax season the IRS is launching Direct File, a new pilot program available in twelve states, including California, that will allow taxpayers with relatively straightforward returns to file their federal taxes electronically for free with the IRS.
A taxpayer with a job, student loans and two kids, for example, might qualify for Direct File, but someone who owns multiple businesses would not. With the average taxpayer spending $150 in tax preparation expenses, this is a welcome option.
It can be used to report certain types of income, such as educator expenses or student loan interest, but it’s not an option for reporting other types of income, such as income from pension benefits. Direct File will guide you through answering questions to prepare your federal tax return step-by-step. It works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets and desktops and is available in English and Spanish with live support services via chat. Check it out here.
Union-made Saint Patrick’s Day
Remember to buy union-made this St. Patrick’s Day.
