Open Secrets - Lobbying and Special Interests - Link
This homework will be "turned in" by using the comments section after this post!
In Mrs. K's class today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday 11/29 and 11/30) we'll be studying PACs, lobbying, special interest groups and influencing public opinion. We'll start with the link above on the OpenSecrets.org website. Here is basic information about OpenSecrets.
Assignment: Read the directions carefully please -
1. Using the comment section, write about one special interest group listed on this OpenSecrets link. Include as much information as you can about their purpose, their history, their current activity, and their funding. End with your opinion about the usefulness of this group.
2. Respond to someone else's answer or comment. No joking, please. Intelligent comments and questions only. No making fun of someone else. (Respond to just one, or as many as you wish. One is required.)
If you choose an organization and you can't find the information in the paragraph above, choose a different organization - don't just write "not available" or "can't find."
After you post your homework here, you'll need to return to read others' as they come in. Plan to revisit 4 or 5 times with a few hours between each.
ReplyDeleteThrough its 45 local chapters, the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association provides health care coverage to more than 80 million people. Blue Cross/Blue Shield also has a contract with the federal government to review and process Medicare claims. They raise about 20 million dollars a year and their funding has only improved throughout the years. This organization is very successful and works to provide everyone they can with quality health care. I believe this is a very important group and an essential part of our community.
ReplyDeleteI think that Blue Cross/Blue Shield is an important association because I believe that everyone should have access to health care.
DeleteAlong with rival Lockheed Martin, the company regularly lobbies Congress to win military contracts and increase defense spending. Boeing is a major supporter of free trade, especially in Asia, where it has focused on selling more planes. The company also lobbies on environmental rules and transportation regulations, among other issues. Boeing is also a large recipient of government loan-guarantees, primarily coming from the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is great what Boeing does. It is important that this country is able to defend itself in a time where an attack in more than likely to happen.
DeleteVery informational, thank you Baca. Military shouldn't just be up for grabs like that this article is quite upsetting.
DeleteBoeing has also contributed a lot to the US outside of politics. According to the New Orleans’ National World War II Museum website, during the war, Boeing produced 98,965 warplanes, including the Flying Fortress.
DeleteThe NRA's purpose is to defend the American citizens right to bear arms. They oppose every type of gun regulation. They are very conservative in there political views and donate money to support republican candidates. The NRA supports Donald Trump because he does not want to take guns or put regulations on them. The NRA is funded through individuals becoming members and paying the annual fees to belong to the organization. They also accept donations from individuals.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that the NRA is important to keep in tact and does a good job of protecting the rights of hardworking citizens.
DeleteI agree with you about protecting people's right to bear arms and the NRA should continue to stand up for that right.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRight to Rise USA:
ReplyDeleteHistory: Right to Rise USA is the leading independent super PAC supporting Jeb Bush's campaign for President. To help us help Jeb, please sign up below.
Current Activity: None
Funding: Mostly from Organization
While they still existed, what DID they do? Where did their money come from?
DeleteThey supported Jeb Bush during the 2016 election. And they are able to raise and spend unlimited amounts of corporate, union, and individual campaign contributions under the terms of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.
DeleteWho created this?
DeleteSuper PAC
DeletePlanned Parenthood is a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. Planned parenthood is notoriously known for legal abortions but, in reality, just 3% of the services that are provided by Planned Parenthood are abortions. Planned Parenthood provides free contraceptives, cancer screenings, STD tests, flu shots, feminine hygiene products, family planning, health insurance, and many more services to people who can’t afford them. If you visit Planned Parenthood and are financially stable enough to pay for these services, they will help you, you will just be asked to pay accordingly. Planned parenthood has many donors, but a lot of the funding does come from the taxpayers. Today people look to defund planned parenthood in attempt to end abortion, but that is not what will happen. The defunding of PP will negatively affect millions of men and women who rely on the services provided.
ReplyDeleteVery good post, I totally agree with everything you said!
DeleteI agree!
DeleteI like this post very much. I believe that planned parenthood does a good thing and they should continue the good they do.
DeleteI believe that while Planned Parenthood does do good things and keeps women from getting in bad situations, they are a profiting organization, and will try to sell their services and even sometimes con women into doing things they didn't go in there to do. Not that all other profiting organizations don't, because they do. But I think it's good for people to know that they are for profit and they will do things to get money, things that not all women want or need, just to get a profit.
DeleteIt's fine to not like Planned Parenthood, but an argument needs to come from facts, not fake/false news. Planned Parenthood is a NON-profit organization. Because of that, and because part of their funding comes from the federal government, they are not allowed to make a profit. Here's a fact-check piece:http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/08/05/429641062/fact-check-how-does-planned-parenthood-spend-that-government-money
DeleteThough Planned Parenthood has a bad reputation in some points of view, it has been very beneficial to others. I agree that a loss of funding would be extremely detrimental to the lives of the men and women who depend on PP!
DeleteI have to respectfully disagree, Planned Parenthood is not a good organization. I believe that all lives should be respected from the time of conception (when life begins) and that abortion is taking a life from an innocent child who will never have the chance to make a difference in the world. Although Planned Parenthood does provide important medical services, there are other healthcare providers that provide all of these services and more for those in bad financial situations and they do not perform abortions. Planned Parenthood aborts 300,000 children per year, that is more than all of the population of Boise. Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger, herself was a self proclaimed eugenist which by definition is the science of improving the human population by controlled breading to increase the desirable heritable characteristics. She wrote several books about this subject, including Birth Control and Racial Betterment, where she states, “Before eugenists and others who are laboring for racial betterment can succeed, they must first clear the way for Birth Control. Like the advocates of Birth Control, the eugenists, for instance, are seeking to assist the race toward the elimination of the unfit. Both are seeking a single end but they lay emphasis upon different methods". She also says in her book, Woman and the New Race, "The most merciful thing the large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it". I personally would never support an organization that is supposed to be in charge of healthcare when the very person who created the it said like that regarding human life.
DeleteVery well-written, Katie! I like your passion.
DeleteLobbyist influence the decisions made by officials in our government. They serve only to benefit their clients special interests. This includes passing a bill that would effect the wealth of a certain company. They act as a the middle man for Special Interest groups, since it's illegal for them to approach politicians. I believe that lobbying is good because it's legal and helps the success of companies within out country
ReplyDeleteGood. Now choose one organization and answer the questions.
DeleteThe American Federation of Teachers was founded in Chicago in 1916. The union started in a one room of AFT Financial Secretary Freeland Stecker's five-room bungalow in Chicago. The president, Charles Stillman lived next door. The AFT grew quickly, but dropped through the 1920s. The union fought for tenure laws, as well as for academic freedom of those teachers whose beliefs were being investigated by political committees during the
ReplyDelete"Red scare" hysteria following WWI. During WWII, AFT worked hard to push war bond sales, war relief and air raid programs in the schools while also campaigning against the "exploitation or the oppression of minority groups". After the war, AFT has continued to fight for civil and voting rights for all American citizens who remain disenfranchised. It has also championed the rights of religious and cultural minorities. AFT's international affairs have been actively involved in developing free trade unions and democracy curricula for public education systems in countries around the globe. This union has helped provide resources to unionists and educators throughout the world.
The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high quality public education, healthcare and public services for students. AFT also helps the families of students and their communities. AFT plans to advance these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism. Most importantly, they look for hard work through the members of this union.
Educators, school districts, community colleges, city governments and business groups will collaborate to support career and technical education to provide powerful links between high school, well- paid jobs and higher education, under an American Federation of Teachers. The AFT innovation fund will invest approximately $500,000 to support four local AFT affiliates' work with their local partners to expand career and technical education opportunities. The AFT grants will give teachers a voice on Common Core learning. Grants are giving educators some more money to take their ideas about educational standards and convert them into practice.
That was Emma!
DeleteThe Las Vegas Sands is the pre-eminent developer and operator of world-class Integrated Resorts that feature hotels. They extend worldwide and operate most complex business and leisure properties. Their purposes are helping the citizens and helping the environment. Their funding includes $27,600 in education and labor, $32,000 in transportation, $5,400 in financial. My opinion about this group is that they are making a positive contribution to the environment and to society, and the should continue to find funds and donate to these causes.
ReplyDeleteHannah Clevenger's post^
DeleteThe American Federation of Teachers was founded in Chicago in 1916. The union started in a one room of AFT Financial Secretary Freeland Stecker's five-room bungalow in Chicago. The president, Charles Stillman lived next door. The AFT grew quickly, but dropped through the 1920s. The union fought for tenure laws, as well as for academic freedom of those teachers whose beliefs were being investigated by political committees during the
ReplyDelete"Red scare" hysteria following WWI. During WWII, AFT worked hard to push war bond sales, war relief and air raid programs in the schools while also campaigning against the "exploitation or the oppression of minority groups". After the war, AFT has continued to fight for civil and voting rights for all American citizens who remain disenfranchised. It has also championed the rights of religious and cultural minorities. AFT's international affairs have been actively involved in developing free trade unions and democracy curricula for public education systems in countries around the globe. This union has helped provide resources to unionists and educators throughout the world.
The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high quality public education, healthcare and public services for students. AFT also helps the families of students and their communities. AFT plans to advance these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism. Most importantly, they look for hard work through the members of this union.
Educators, school districts, community colleges, city governments and business groups will collaborate to support career and technical education to provide powerful links between high school, well- paid jobs and higher education, under an American Federation of Teachers. The AFT innovation fund will invest approximately $500,000 to support four local AFT affiliates' work with their local partners to expand career and technical education opportunities. The AFT grants will give teachers a voice on Common Core learning. Grants are giving educators some more money to take their ideas about educational standards and convert them into practice.
This is really well written! I also totally agree with you.
DeleteThe National Education Association is the largest and oldest group of teachers and it tries to lobby for more teachers rights. they lobby for the right to unionize and for teachers to have enough money to be able to teach the students efficiently and effectively. They lobby against cuts in the education budget. They also are for equal representation in business and in pay checks.They get organizational dues that give them all their money.
ReplyDeleteI think that this organization is pretty beneficial.
DeleteThis organization can help teacher get rights and the teachers should receive more money for their jobs.
DeleteVery good points. This is a serious issue and should be looked at more.
DeleteThe Center for Political Accountability is spearheading the effort to bring transparency and accountability to corporate political spending and change company political spending norms. They was engagement to persuade corporations to disclose political spending, and to oversee it. They are getting funding from the New York Times, Washington Post, Bloomberg News Service, NPR, and Financial Times.
ReplyDeleteThe American Medical Association (AMA) represents medical physicians and medical students across the nation. AMA promotes standards in care and publishes a number of medical journals for research every year for the betterment of the people. The American Medical Association was founded in 1847 and was later incorporated in 1897. The American Medical Association helps patients today through research and journalism. AMA helps medical students and doctors to be more advanced in their field as well. AMA is mostly funded by the doctor's membership dues. AMA is very useful because they help us through medical caring to live a better life as well as find out more and new information on studies of the body as well as diseases.
ReplyDeleteWho else is the AMA funded by?
DeleteI agree that the AMA is very useful, what kind of diseases do they study?
DeleteOne special interest group, headquartered in Glenview Illinois, is the Polish American Leadership PAC (PAL-PAC), whose purpose is to influence and bring about action by the Polish-American community regarding issues affecting that community. The group’s website (http://pal-pac.org) says that its goal is to connect “Polish-Americans together in order to increase the voice of the Polish-American community within the United States.” The group also encourages and assists Polish-Americans to run for local, state and federal office, as well as endorsing candidates who take positions on issues important to Polish-Amercans. PAL-PAC is a relatively young organization, being formed in 2012.
ReplyDeletePAL-PAC is currently lobbying for the enactment of federal legislation so that Poland can be included in the Visa Waiver Program, which would allow Polish citizens to visit the US without a visa. In 2013, PAL-PAC started an online petition, which thousands of citizens signed, directed to the US Congress. Legislation has not passed yet, though, and this initiative remains a top priority for PAL-PAC. The group also endorsed the candidate who won the Illinois governor’s seat in 2104 and when he won, claimed that it was instrumental to his success.
PAL-PAC’s funding comes from a mix of individuals and small businesses. In 2015-2016 there were 33 donors who contributed over $200 each. The largest gift was $20,000 and the smallest gift was $200. The average donation was $2600. In 2015 – 2016 the group took in $86,000. Open Secrets reports that the group gives roughly twice as much to Republican candidates as to Democratic candidates, but PAL-PAC gives to both parties.
I think this group is useful to society at large and to Polish-Americans in particular. This group can contribute to empowering Polish-Americans by listening to the concerns of the Polish-American community, representing the community, educating the community on key issues, and helping Polish-Americans to get involved in political life as candidates and citizens.
That is really cool! I didn't know there was a PAC just for Polish people! It's really eye opening to know that an organization that I didn't even know about was instrumental in electing a Illinois governor. Very interesting.
DeleteThe Right to Rise USA organization is a PAC outside spending organization. It has been given over $50000 from organizations. The company has supported one candidate in the past, Jeb Bush. However, they have spent almost 90000000 in outside spending, independent expenditures for republicans. They have donated $50000 to a group named Security is Strength. This is not a lobbying organization. Their viewpoint is considered conservative. Their purpose is to help republican candidates get started and help them run for office.
ReplyDeleteAll in all, I do not think this is a very useful or needed group. I don't think any of these groups are useful, I think if someone needs money to run for office, they should just ask people, get it themselves and in a just way.
Hi Mark,
DeleteI completely respect and understand several of the points that you made in your blog. I did do a little research on the PAC itself, and I want to pick out a few pieces of the Right to Rise USA. First of all, I want to clarify that this organization was created to support Jeb Bush in the 2016 presidential election. It wasn't a secondary or side motive that came along the road. Another point that I wanted to raise was how you mentioned an expenditure of what I presume to be 90000000 American Dollars. Keep in mind that this organization was hoping to take initiative in the television and digital advertising industry. When an organization starts out with an elusive goal in mind, that needless to say is in popular commerce, they typically will spend vast amounts of money. The funds weren't mindlessly depleted as one might assume from the context. I do agree with you, however, on how the group is unnecessary. It no longer serves a legitimate purpose, nor has it achieved an ideal one.
The Service Employees International Union is involved in almost anything regarding labor. Whether those issues be wages, health care, or job safety. They also like to focus on immigration issues considering the fact that they have the highest proportion of immigrants than any other union. Their memberships exceed over 1.5 million people of all different kinds of people. Their contributions to the election were $13,397,116 and $21,842,284 in outside spending. All of their focus is to the democratic party.
ReplyDeleteThe National Association of Broadcasters is an organization that represents radio and television broadcasters here in the United States. They advance on the special interests of the federal government as well as public affairs in order to deliver information. The National Association of Broadcasters always looks for ways to communicate to the majority of people. With new innovative ideas, news is delivered faster and more efficiently. They have a history of being behind big brand news and radio shows, such as CNN and NBC. They also have a history of supporting different political parties based on the consistency of their news platform. In 2016, the NAB has accumulated $1,992,643 of profits based on the annual revenue illustrated by opensecrets.org. Over the past four years it has remained relatively consistent. My personal opinion on this association is that it is most definitely needed. There has to be ways for national news to be communicated to people. It needs to be there. What it doesn't need, is to be manipulated. By manipulating the news, and tilting it towards one direction or the other, people aren't going to be able to know whether or not something happened. That is one of the main problems we face today, as well as why we use credible sources.
ReplyDeleteJP,
DeleteI agree with your views on the necessity of the NAB. I would like to expand on your idea of the manipulation of news, as I have a question about it that needs explanation. The news heavily influences the outcome of politics, as has been quite obvious in the past elections. But this raises the question - what do the news companies get out of this? Do you think it is to bolster their reputations for credible news, or for other reasons?
Sammy... think advertising $.... :)
DeleteThe SEIU also known as the Service Employees International Union, represents 1.9 million workers within the United States and Canada. They focus their main priorities on three sectors: health care which would include hospitals and home care; public services (local and state employee’s); and property services such as janitors and security officers. They also have 150 branches local branches with its headquarters located in Washington D.C. The union is known for its strong support in helping Democrats candidates and spent $28 million on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential election. Lastly, the SEIU was founded in 1921 in Chicago as the BSEU (Building Services Employee Union) with its first members being janitors and window washers which is why they still support them till this day.
ReplyDeleteGroup: American Federation of Teachers
ReplyDeleteHistory: AFT started out as eight local Chicago residents “signing on as [the] AFL [President] welcomed the union into its fold in 1916”. It grew quickly at first but then dropped after World War 1 due to the pressure by school boards. They worked to push war bond sales in WWII along with war relief and air raid programs in schools. Moving out of the war, they were at the forefront of the civil rights movement. The 1960s saw a huge boom in their numbers after the first major teaching strikes were made. Since then, they have been pushing for education reform.
Purpose: They represent 1 million teachers, school staff, higher education faculty, along with other public employees. Their purpose is to make sure fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, and high-quality public education are pursued. They also push to provide healthcare and public services for their students, communities, and families. The work their members do is what allows them to advance through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining, and political activism.
Current Activity: Gave money to candidates ($1,618,713 in total), Leadership PACs, parties, committees (527 in total), and outside spending groups. They lobbied for the Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act.
Funding: Member dues.
Opinion: I believe that the AFT has a great mission. They align with many of my own beliefs, so I tend to agree with what they are trying to do. I would like to know more about what influence they have in Washington.
Organization: Service Employees International Union
ReplyDeleteSEIU is the largest and fastest growing member of the AFL-CIO. This organization was founded in 1921, it is located in Washington D.C. and the CEO is Mary Kay Henry. They represent over 100 occupations in the United States and Canada. The three sectors of workers that they work with is health care, public service, and property services. Some examples of who they represent are workers such as janitors, security guards, home care workers, probation and parole officers. They have more than 1.5 million memberships and that number is going to continue to climb. Their main goal is to help make the lives of workers better. Their contribution of money to the 2016 election was ($13,397,116) and the money of outside spending was $21,842,284. This union is known for its strong supports of the Democratic candidates.
My Opinion: I think what they are doing is good for the country. I feel like having people care for the workers of the country that are trying to help improve the world, will cause more workers that aren't apart of this union to join them.
The American Hospital association was started in 1898. It represents over 5,000 hospitals, but also represents the employees and their patients. They combat many different problems such as the possible reduction in medicare payments. The AHA also lobbies for a limit on malpractice suits. They car very much for the doctors and nurses and are even pushing for more and better training programs. They had contributed nearly 2 million dollars to political candidates, and in 2016 they have lobbied almost 15.5 million. I believe that this group is very beneficial. They represent many people in the healthcare industry that would otherwise not be prevalently advocated for. I believe that they should continue their great work, because they are the people who help us when we are in need of medical care.
ReplyDeleteThis is from Mila.
DeleteThe Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America is an organization that represents biopharmaceutical research and labs. The members are studying to find new medicines that will help people live longer, healthier lives. In 2015 PhRMA companies spent about 58.8 billion dollars on researching and creating new medicines. PhRMA has created more than 500 new medicines that have passed through the Food and Drug Administration and over 7,000 new medications are being developed globally. PhRMA was formed in 1958 in order to promote public awareness to support medical research. I think PhRMA is extremely important. It is always important to be looking for new medications that can help cure people from their disease. Without the knowledge of medication, people would get sick and die more often than they do now and if there is any way we can find a cure for an illness, I think it is important do so, so those infected by the illness can be cured.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I agree with you that PhRMA is an important organization. My dad is a doctor and encounters unhealthy people daily. I think it is extremely important that scientists continue to find medications that can help people and get them healthy again. I did not realize how expensive it is to research new medications, but I think the money is worth it especially if it is helping people globally. I also find it remarkable how many medications PhRMA has created and passed through the FDA and also how many more medications are being developed.
DeleteThe purpose of the National Rifle Association is to defend the right to bear arms. It is opposed to pretty much any form of gun regulation. This includes restrictions on owning assault weapons, retention of databases of gun purchases, background checks on purchasers at gun shows, and changes in the registration of firearms. Lobbying expenditures for the NRA regularly exceed $1.5 million, as the organization’s lobbyists frequently try to exert their influence over government agencies including members of Congress, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
ReplyDeleteThe National Rifle Association was formed by Gen. George Wingate and Col. William C. Church in 1871. The goal would be to “promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis.” The funding from the NRA is mainly sourced from membership dues, individual donations, and advertising. Affiliates of the organization have given $1,099,250 in contributions, $2,530,000 in lobbying, and $52,778,647 in outside spending during 2016.
I think the NRA is useful for those who agree with them but they seem to be very extreme. It seems that they want U.S. citizens to be able to walk into a Walmart, buy a gun, and walk out like all they had gotten was a pack of gum. Their foundation seems fair, but some of their ideas are very drastic and risky.
Personally, I don't believe in gun control, but I agree in that at least some form of background check should be made before someone is able to buy a gun. I think it is surprising they are able to spend $52,778,647 in outside spending. The NRA has good intentions, but they do seem slightly radical.
DeleteThe Service Emplyees International Union did a lot.Their peak of contribution occurs in 2004. During the crisis of 2008, they turned down but still contributed. Mainly, their contribution goes to democrat party. They was a year that they contributed negative to republican.
ReplyDeleteTHe NRA is the national rifle association and there jobs it to defend the rights of gun owners. They do this so that they always have the right to bear arms. THis is important so that they do not take gun rights away from hard working americans. A lot of other people talked about the NRA so this is all Im going to say.
ReplyDeleteThe NRA stands for the National Rifle Association. This PAC is a professional special interest. This association focuses on defending US citizen's right to bear arms and will go to great lengths to protect them. It supports the right for every person to have a gun if they so please and will support legislation that will help make sure these rights are granted. Any gun regulations against this right will be opposed by the NRA. The committee that donates to the NRA the most is the Republican party because they advocate for the support of constitutional rights. Over one million dollars was given to them by separate donors last year. Lobbyists for the NRA give around $1.5 million a year to influence government officials and policies
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for people to have the right to bear arms and it is important for them to donate in order to have a better chance of keeping this right.
DeleteThe American Hospital Association are a lobbyist for hospitals. They want to have a voice in healthcare laws or anything that deals with hospital or health in a communities. The AHA started in 1899 to discuss common issues with the hospitals and healthcare. They have influence about bills that will affect hospitals. They donate to candidates of elections and get their money from peoples dues. The AHA distributes the money they get to other important organizations or candidates that will support them.
ReplyDeleteThe American Medical Association is a special interest group which donates significant amounts of money to help their cause. They are focused on health issues and making sure people receive proper treatment for their issues. Weather it be cancer treatment or drug and alcohol treatment they are focused on improving all areas. They give around $15,000 a year. They donate to the political candidate who they think will have a positive influence on the medical industry.
ReplyDeleteInteresting outlook on Canadian Literature I like how you connected the political side of Asia to Hawaii's economic system.
DeleteFounded in 1857, the National Education Association (NEA) is the nation's oldest-and largest-teachers union. The NEA lobbies elected and government officials on everything from government funding of education to school safety to teacher pay. Politicians need votes, certainly, to win election and re-election, but they also need money. And while an individual's vote carries an expectation that the candidate will look out for constituents' interests if elected, a campaign contribution may carry an expectation that the money will get repaid in the form of favorable legislation, less stringent regulations, political appointments, government contracts or tax credits-to name a few forms of payback. Members of Congress don't stop raising money once they're elected. Far from it, they dial for dollars and attend fundraising events when they're not busy representing you in Washington. How do they have the time to do it all, and doesn't something have to give? Speaking of giving, this is where you can see which industries and organizations are supporting your elected representatives in the House and Senate. You can review their profile for the current election cycle or a career profile that goes back to 1989.
ReplyDeleteThe American Federation of Teachers is a union that promotes fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for students, their families, and communities. The organization was founded by teachers in Winnetka,Illinois in April 1916. It was originally a just a teachers' union, but in the late twentieth century it also included educational support staff and healthcare professionals. Today, AFT has 1 million members lead by their president, Sandra Feldman. In 2001, AFL merged with the National Education Association to promote the similar interests of their members. AFT gave $1,784,808 to Hillary Clinton and $1,997,375 to Barack Obama in 2008 to fund their campaigns. AFT also endorsed Hillary in the 2016 election. I think this union is useful because teachers are really under appreciated and way under payed. I think its good that they can ban together and stand up for good treatment from eh schools.
ReplyDelete