The AFT PSRP leadership conference last month came chock-full of advice from activists on how to optimize campaigns, whether they focus on organizing, politics, a living wage or community service. PSRP co-chairs Carl Williams and Sarah Wofford led the proceedings. Williams is president of the Lawndale (Calif.) Federation of Classified Employees, a former school custodian and president of California’s classified members. Wofford is an accounting specialist for Rogue Community College and president of the Oregon School Employees Association. Eighteen AFT locals sent paraprofessionals and school-related personnel to Chicago April 10-12 for the conference.

As the Trump administration continues to attack higher education—cutting research grants, targeting free speech and restricting classroom materials—the AFT and the American Association of University Professors have unveiled a powerful new blueprint to restore and preserve higher education, just in time for the 2026 midterms.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY – Today, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers #400 and AFT Pennsylvania member Jen Mazzocco won the special election in PA House District 42 (Allegheny). Mazzocco, an English Language Arts teacher at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School, is a long-time member of PFT400 and AFTPA and was endorsed by both unions. AFTPA, PFT400, and the national AFT hosted a reception for Mazzocco in Pittsburgh in early February.

When the president of Colorado WINS learned that the president of the United States might be targeting Denver next in his anti-immigration campaign of terror, she knew how she’d begin to mobilize. One simple thing Diane Byrne does is deck out her activists in matching T-shirts. Wearing union colors promotes team spirit and builds confidence, she says. The AFT Public Employees program and policy council, meeting in New York City Feb. 5-6, abounded with tips to help locals mobilize. PPC chair Gary Feist, president of North Dakota Public Employees, recommended finding members who can tell a personal story to draw media attention. With more media on the issue, he said, legislators will become more motivated to fix the problem.

Today, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget speech. The Governor is proposing a $53.2 billion budget, which is a 5.38% increase over FY 25-26, and includes:

• A $565 million increase for K-12 adequacy funding;
• A $50 million increase for Basic Education Funding;
• A $50 million increase for Special Education Funding;
• A continuation of Cyber Charter Funding reforms, which saves public school districts an estimated $250 million per year;
• An increase of $100 million for school safety and mental health;
• $125 million to address school structural upgrades and environmental concerns, including $25 million for Solar for Schools;
• A $5 million increase for student teacher stipends;
• A $5.9 million increase for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program run through PHEAA;
• An $18 million increase for Career and Technical Education (CTE) apprenticeships;
• Fully funding CTE subsidies;
• Raising the Pennsylvania minimum wage to $15/hour starting January 1, 2027; and
• Expanding digital and AI literacy for students, parents, and caregivers.

The Pennsylvania legislature is expected to pass the budget by June 30, 2026. The state legislature passed the 2025 budget more than 130 days late.