AFT endorses Barack Obama for re-election

Declaring that President Obama is the only candidate who will fight to preserve and expand the middle class, close the inequality gap and ensure everyone has a "fair shot" at success, on Feb. 7 the AFT announced its endorsement of President Obama and Vice President Biden for re-election. The AFT executive council voted on the endorsement following months of surveys, meetings, online forums and conversations with thousands of AFT members who made it clear they support the re-election of Obama. "While we have not agreed with every decision President Obama has made," says AFT president Randi Weingarten, "he shares our deep commitment to … ensuring everyone has an opportunity to achieve the American dream."

For full election coverage, visit AFT.org/election2012

Watch a video message from AFT President Randi Weingarten

Experts correct myths about public employee pensions

In politics and policymaking, the facts aren't always convenient. Such is the case with public employee defined-benefit retirement plans and the policymakers who want to dismantle them. Last month, a panel of state leaders and national experts gathered at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., to talk about the facts.

Get the full story on AFT.org

Information at your fingertips

Have questions about retirement, Medicare or family health and welfare? Here are some resources to help you find answers.

Here’s a Q&A from the Medicare Rights Center, on 2012 Medicare changes and how they affect baby boomers.

The New York Times New Old Age blog explores why some retirement communities are enacting policies separating the sicker or more disabled residents from the healthier ones.

For nearly 40 years, home health aides and other domestic workers have been excluded from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Last year, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed revising the FLSA to include most home care aides. The department is seeking comments from the public on this proposal. Click here to weigh in until Feb. 27.

Preserving civil rights history

It was the summer of 1964, in Meridian, Miss. Ten-year-old Gwen Thompson had never been next to a white person in her life, but now, white college students from New York had come to Mississippi to teach her. Gwen's experience of attending "Freedom School" is captured in memorabilia donated to a growing Civil Rights Archive at Queens College of the City University of New York. Professional Staff Congress members were among the activists who staffed Freedom Summer and who are helping to build the archives.

The truth about health reform

President Obama’s Affordable Care Act is on the road to saving millions of dollars as well as improving the quality of patient care. In fact, seniors under Medicare can get a free yearly medical exam as well as preventative screenings thanks to the health reform law. The AFT and the Alliance for Retired Americans give you the facts about the law and what it will do for you.

In This Issue

AFT endorses Obama

Experts correct myths about pensions

Information at your fingertips

Preserving civil rights history

The truth about health reform

AFT on

Patricia Huber Noakes posted: It is my personal opinion, as a teacher of 34 years, that I did more with my students at the beginning of my career than now. It is NOT because I am tired and old, it is because my mornings are Language Arts block and my afternoons are math block.

Join AFT on Facebook


Contact Us » \| AFT 555 New Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20001 \| Unsubscribe » © American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. All rights reserved.