$200 million for part-time faculty healthcare within reach
In their budget proposal sent to the Governor this week, the California Legislature included the $200 million in annual funding for part-time community college faculty healthcare that we have been championing. The inclusion of the $200 million means that the Governor and the Legislature are both on the same page in terms of funding, and that our campaign continues to succeed.
Now, with final budget talks underway, we still have work to do to ensure that the budget includes essential program changes that ensure healthcare benefits get to the faculty who need it most.
If you haven’t done so yet, please take a moment to send a letter to the Governor and legislative leaders requesting the critical program changes.
Celebrating Juneethenth
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.
Today Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this day from which a national day of pride is growing.
As we celebrate Juneteenth this year, check out these great resources from AFT, as well as CFT’s Black History resource collection and our ongoing coverage of racial justice issues.
New AFT task force focuses on LGBTQIA+ community
It’s Pride Month, and people are flocking to parades and celebrations, flying rainbow flags and filling the media with stories from the LGBTQIA+ community. But this year that joy is coupled with fear, as attacks on LGBTQIA+ freedom increase—from the attempt to violently disrupt a Pride event in Idaho, to criminalizing parents for providing gender-affirming healthcare for their children, to “don’t say gay” legislation that threatens educators for teaching about gender.
It is an opportune time for the AFT’s LGBTQIA+ Task Force to begin its work. Read more about the important work of this task force, which is co-chaired by CFT President Jeff Freitas.
Thanks to Josie Gloria for an incredible 33 years at CFT!
Congratulations are in order to CFT secretary Josie Gloria, who retired this week after 33 years of service to CFT. Josie served under six CFT presidents, working with countless leaders, members, and staff to help build the union. Thank you, Josie, for your long service to CFT, its mission, and to the members. We wish you the very best during your well-deserved retirement!
