Topic: Press Releases

Thousands of teachers, school employees expected for Capitol rally

Publish Date: March 6, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2019 CONTACTS Rob D’Amico (Texas AFT): 512-627-1343 Clay Robison (TSTA): 512-535-8994 WHAT:   Several thousand teachers and other school employees from throughout Texas are expected to gather at the state Capitol to demand more funding for public school students, educators and retired educators. Most will be traveling to Austin on their Spring Break. WHO:    Joining them...

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Statement on Texas House Democratic Caucus proposals for school finance

Publish Date: February 21, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2019 CONTACT: Rob D’Amico, 512-627-1343 Texas American Federation of Teachers President Louis Malfaro commented today on the Texas House Democratic Caucus proposals for school finance: The proposals presented today help put the conversation at the Capitol where it needs to be, on making a significant investment in our students and all the school employees who...

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Statement on preliminary Texas House and Senate budget proposals for public education

Publish Date: January 15, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2019 CONTACT: Rob D’Amico, 512-627-1343 Statement on preliminary Texas House and Senate budget proposals for public education Texas American Federation of Teachers President Louis Malfaro commented today on initial proposals for public education funding—an additional $7.4 billion to the Permanent School Fund from the Texas House, and a proposed $5,000 salary increase for teachers from...

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Retired teachers to urge state trustees not to increase health-care premiums, and will ask Lt. Gov. for rollback of benefit cuts

Publish Date: September 18, 2018

News Conference: Thursday, 11 a.m. Teachers faced significant premium increases and benefit cuts under Lt. Dan Patrick’s control of the state Senate What:  The Texas AFT Retiree Committee is in town to testify at a Teacher Retirement System Board vote on increasing premiums $50 a month for retired teachers and school employees (not yet on Medicare) starting in January, 2019....

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Texas AFT and TSTA file lawsuit against education commissioner

Publish Date: August 29, 2018

Download the Lawsuit FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2018 CONTACTS: Rob D’Amico (Texas AFT), 512-627-1343, Ext. 1313 Clay Robison (TSTA), 512-476-5355 News Conference: Thursday, 10 a.m. Teacher unions sue state education commissioner over faulty rules for partnerships between school districts and charter schools Education Commissioner Mike Morath fails to follow law—and his own rules—meant to protect the rights of teachers...

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Teacher retirees scraping by on fixed pension income and skyrocketing health-care costs await crucial decision by TRS board

Publish Date: July 23, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2018 CONTACT:  Rob D’Amico, 512-627-1343 Decision on rate of return Friday could further erode ability to offer cost-of-living increases What:  Retired school employees from across Texas will hold a news conference on the steps of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas building Thursday to highlight how a TRS Board vote expected the next morning on...

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AFT leaders respond to shooting at Santa Fe High School; Note on tomorrow’s Rally

Publish Date: May 18, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2018 CONTACT: Rob D’Amico, 512-627-1343 AFT leaders respond to shooting at Santa Fe High School Note: Texas AFT’s original advisory—that went out early today--on the Houston rally tomorrow is below. We will be mourning the victims of this tragic shooting at the rally. Included in an updated list of speakers are two Houston ISD students...

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