Political Action
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FROM THE PRESIDENT, CHRISTINE TRUJILLO |
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SAVE THE DATE - OCTOBER 9TH! In 2009, New Mexico lawmakers cut public education funding 8% and enacted a 1.5% pay cut on employees for two years. While economic times are uncertain, what is certain is that cuts are leading us on a road to nowhere. Education programs are being cut, our workforces are being downsized, classes are overcrowded, schools are short on instructional materials - and more. But there's a twist to the story. Since 2003, state lawmakers have enacted tax cuts for the wealthiest ($295K or more a year) and left corporate tax loohpoles open. These tax breaks are hurting our children and school professionals. The breaks amount to $1 billion a year in lost revenue that the state can and must use to restore and prevent education cuts.
Lawmakers will cut more in October during a special session in Santa Fe if we don't stand up and say "no!" Join us for a demonstration for education in Santa Fe on October 9th at the State Capitol. Click here to download the flyer and save the date! Read on to see what our members think about education cuts!
- Christine Trujillo, |
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AFT New Mexico’s political action committee (COPE) began a statewide petition drive over the summer to repeal tax cuts for the rich, close corporate tax loopholes, repeal HB 854, restore per-pupil unit value funding cut of $30, provide education employees with cost-of-living raises and use President Obama's stimulus to save and create new jobs in New Mexico. AFT NM COPE is circulating petitions among school employees, public employees, state employees, their families, friends and supporters by direct mail, email and website. The committee is holding meetings and town halls to explain the petition and get signatures. As of September, over 10,,000 voters have signed the petition and 68% of members who have been surveyed, said they agree that lawmakers should roll back tax cuts for the wealthiest and corporations in order to restore education cuts and prevent cuts. |
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Local school boards are assigned specific powers and duties by New Mexico statute.
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The outcomes of school board elections have a great impact on union members since elected officials help set the tone of bargaining for employees.
AFT New Mexico encourages our members to become active in board elections and even consider running themselves. Find out the basics you should about school board elections in New Mexico.
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Visit the AFT Legislative Action Center
Make your views known to those in Congress and state legislatures who represent you on the issues that affect working families every day. Click here to visit the AFT's Legislative Action Center.
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AFT New Mexico's Committee on Political Education (COPE) is dedicated to the needs and concerns of our members and their families. Representing our members is a political process. Levels of school funding for "opening the doors," paying school personnel, and funding programs depends on the decisions made by all 112 state legislators, our Governor, and the federal government. That's why who we elect and how we lobby them is critical to good outcomes for our members and the children we serve. Small contributions from members, COPE contributions, help us build winning election and issues campaigns that make our union stronger. GET INVOLVED. Give to COPE! |
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