Social Security Fairness Act on cusp of passing on the Senate floor
As we hit send on today’s email, the US Senate is poised to vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. If enacted into law, the critical bill would repeal the WEP/GPO penalties that unfairly take hard-earned Social Security benefits from CFT members who also participate in CalSTRS.
Earlier this week the Senate took two key procedural votes necessary to move the bill to a vote of the full Senate and ultimately on to President Biden’s desk. Both procedural votes were 73-27, indicating broad bipartisan support for the Social Security Fairness Act in the Senate.
Thanks to the thousands of CFT members who have sent emails and made phone calls, turning up the pressure on our Congressional representatives. If you haven’t done so already, please sign the CFT WEP/GPO letter and call our senators’ offices urging them to push to get the legislation to a vote. We will continue to monitor the bill’s progress in the Senate. Look to CFT social media for updates later today.
Online workshop on defending immigrant students and families January 10
All CFT members are invited to join us for an online “Know-Your-Rights” webinar on January 10 to learn how to support immigrant students and families during the upcoming Trump administration. CFT prioritizes making every school in California a safe space for all students including immigrant children. RSVP now for the webinar, which starts at 4:00 p.m. For more resources on how best to support immigrant students, check out these materials from AFT.
Buy union this holiday season
Looking for that last minute holiday gift? Look for a gift that carries a union label and is made in America. Shipping gifts this year? Make sure to ship using a union carrier like the U.S. Postal Service or UPS. Details here.
News in Brief
Three CFT members appointed to state commissions. This week Governor Newsom announced the appointment of three CFT members to critical state commissions. The three members include Ruben Mancillas from the ABC Federation of Teachers, who was appointed to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing; UTLA member Michael de la Torre, who was reappointed to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, where he has been serving since 2021; and AFT 1521 member Adrienne Brown, who was reappointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors where she has been serving since 2023. Congratulations to all!
Celebrate the holidays by joining a picket line in support of striking workers. While we celebrate the holidays, striking workers are holding the line to fight for a better future. Workers from Amazon, Starbucks, and several union hotels are on strike and you can show your support by joining them on the picket line. A full list of active strike lines is on the California Federation of Labor Unions’ website.
Help for those who need it during the holiday season. The holiday season can be a joyful time with family or a difficult time for some. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can reach out for help by simply calling or texting 988 or by chat at 988lifeline.org. The hotline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
