Why it is critical that you apply for PSLF before Oct. 31
The AFT settled a landmark court case last October that set in motion significant, but temporary, changes to the eligibility requirements for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Since that time, hundreds of AFT members who have had their entire loan balances wiped away thanks to our union’s efforts.
If you have student debt and work for a public employer, you could have your entire debt balance forgiven, but YOU MUST APPLY before Oct. 31, 2022, to benefit from the temporary PSLF waiver.
For more information, go to this helpful AFT PSLF web page. You can also go directly to the PSLF application page to begin the process.
Campus Equity Week starts October 24
With our Part-Time Faculty Campaign in high gear, Campus Equity Week packs a special punch! Campus Equity Week is a time of education and activism that draws attention to the working conditions of faculty working on temporary, low-paid contracts, who now constitute the majority of college instructors.
Officially the date for Campus Equity Week is October 24-28, but what’s more important is that campus communities (faculty, students, staff, and administrators) get the word out this fall about the need to secure healthcare for part-time faculty.
To help organize for Campus Equity week take a look at this CFT toolkit compiled by the CFT Part-Time Faculty Committee. The toolkit contains a great set of materials, including signs, zoom backgrounds, links to studies and more. Check in with your local union and make sure to share your photos using the hashtags #CampusEquityWeek and #FacultyHealthcareNow.
Organizing takes center stage at CFT State Council
The new organizing panel at CFT’s State Council last Saturday included presentations from Alan Lawrence and Rocio Carlos from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena (AFT Local 5648), Kirsten Hansen from The Claremont Colleges Services (AFT Local 6735), Louis Knecht from Dominican University (AFT Local 6604), and Wendy Lucko (FT) and Catherine Cheng (PT) from Pasadena City College.
The panelists shared their stories of organizing, their ongoing struggles and victories, and the ultimate goals of their campaigns. They were inspirational to fellow CFT members in attendance who showed their solidarity with our newest, and aspiring, members by taking selfies of support.
The panel underscored CFT’s ongoing commitment to organize in the public and private sectors to ensure all education workers have good working conditions, and all students have quality learning environments.
Paso Robles teachers rally for a new school board
CFT President Jeff Freitas joined fellow educators, parents, and students at a rally this week with the Paso Robles Public Educators (AFT Local 3553), urging voters to elect three new school board members in the November election – Jim Cogan, Adelita Hiteshew, and Sondra Williams.
Instead of focusing on the needs of all students, some current members of the board are creating a divisive atmosphere in the schools.
“We are here with our local educators to support the school board candidates in front of you,” said Freitas during the rally. “Candidates that will build our schools and communities, candidates who want the best for all students, candidates who believe in our public schools.”
Ballots are out! Don’t forget to review CFT’s Educators Choice Voter Guide
Ballots for the November 2022 election were mailed this week. Before casting your ballot, make sure to review CFT’s Educators Choice Voter Guide, which has voting recommendations for local and statewide candidates and initiatives.
