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UFT Resolutions

Resolution for the UFT to organize a campaign to defend social security, Medicare, and Medicaid resolution

UFT Resolutions

WHEREAS, the threat to retirement and health care security from New York City government has receded, a major and severe danger has taken shape in Washington DC, where President Trump and MAGA Republicans in Congress have mounted various attacks on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, as detailed in the fact sheet appended to this resolution; and 

WHEREAS, through Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the United States government has established a social contract with its working people, who contribute to these programs during our working lives and in return receive benefits that allow us to live our retirement in financial security and with dignity; and

WHEREAS, the attacks of Trump and the MAGA Republicans on these programs threatens to undo that social contract and put the financial security and health care of UFT retirees and all retired Americans in real danger; and

WHEREAS, the UFT, and especially its Retiree Chapter, have a unique ability, capacity, and responsibility to address this threat to retiree financial security and health care; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT and its Retiree Chapter develop a comprehensive organizing campaign to defend Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this campaign shall include the following components:

  • The education of all UFT members, and especially UFT retirees, on the nature and extent of the attacks on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid by President Trump and MAGA Republicans, and on actions they can take, individually and collectively, in response, and
  • The development of a rapid response network comprised of UFT retiree activists specifically dedicated to the defense of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, including a list of e-activists prepared to engage in on-line action and a list of activists prepared to engage in in-person public protests and lobbying of elected officials, and
  • The development of an ‘organizers tool kit’ with practical suggestions for UFT members and retiree groups on educational and political actions that they can take to their local communities, and
  • The campaign will be coordinated with our national union, the American Federation of Teachers, and its retiree members and groups.