The Florida Legislature convenes Tuesday March 7, 2017 for the 2017 regular session. It will meet for a 60 day session.

Updated 2/21/2017

Many have realized that the Top Step Payment was not included in last months paychecks.  This should not have been a surprise as the State views the Top Step Payment as akin to Step Increases which are not granted when there is no date specified for the Step Increment .  It is A&R's position that the Top Step Payment should be paid, regardless.  As such we filed an institutional grievance for payment.  The Step 2 hearing is scheduled on 2/23/17.  In addition to the grievance:

• We introduced language at the negotiations table seeking to ensure payment of the top step payment in future years regardless of wage freezes, and;

• We will seek back-pay remedies in our successor contract for both the Top Step Payment and Step Increases.

Posted 2/21/2017

Mediator has been selected

Mediation dates March 8th & 9th

In an effort to advance contract negotiations, A&R and the State have agreed to mediation.  Our goal is to make progress on some contract language issues.  Although mediation is not binding on either party, it is hoped that tentative agreements can be reached on some of the less contentious contract language issues.

There are three scholarship programs available each year for AFT-affiliated union members and their families.  As a member of A&R, you have access to these scholarship programs.  The 2017 application windows for these valuable benefits are now open:

1. AFT Connecticut awards two $2,500.00 scholarships annually; one to a member for their own higher education and another for a spouse, domestic partner or child of a member;
2. Our national AFT's Robert G. Porter Scholars Program offers one-time $1,000.00 grants to union members and four-year, $8,000.00 scholarships to their dependents;
3. Union Plus awards grants to members and their families ranging from $500.00 to $4,000.00 each year

AFT - CT Scholarship Information & Application Forms

Posted 1/26/17

Our Union has a long and proud history of awarding academic scholarships to deserving children of its members.  Award winners will be recognized for their accomplishments at the Union's Annual Convention, to be held April 20^th.

This year, A&R will be awarding 16 scholarships to qualifying children of members:

Click here to view the Excel file with contact information for all current members of the Georgia State Senate, including the following:

• Party Represented
• District Address
• District Phone Number
• Capitol Address
• Captiol Phone Number
• District
• Email Address

Click here to view the Excel file with contact information for all current members of the Georgia House of Representatives, including the following:

Brooks Coleman, Chairman

404-656-9210 (capitol)

Brooks.Coleman@house.ga.gov

David Casas, Vice Chairman

404-656-0254 (capitol)

770-931-8033 (district)

David.Casas@house.ga.gov

Tommy Benton, Secretary

404-656-5126 (capitol)

Tommy.Benton@house.ga.gov

Dave Belton

Social Security - Hot Topic for Aging Boomers

Governor Cuomo released his proposed budget on January 17^th. It includes changes to school aid formulas; elimination of teacher center funding; extends the “Millionaire’s Tax”; addresses special ed mandate relief; increases Pre-K funding; increases TAP Funding; includes the Dream Act; expands the Buy America Program; once again proposes changes to IRMAA for NYSHIP Retirees. These are some of the items included in the proposed budget.