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Statement From NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump Administration's Federal Voucher Rules
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Statement from NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump administration's federal voucher rules
By: Miguel A. Gonzalez
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury took another step to implement the Trump administration's new federal private school voucher, effectively moving toward robbing students of access to great public schools across the United States. As expected, the guidance ensures the program will contain all the most damaging features of existing state-funded
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Statement from NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump administration's federal voucher rules
By: Miguel A. Gonzalez
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury took another step to implement the Trump administration's new federal private school voucher, effectively moving toward robbing students of access to great public schools across the United States. As expected, the guidance ensures the program will contain all the most damaging features of existing state-fundedvoucher programs, while limiting states' ability to protect students or ensure meaningful benefits for public schools.
The National Education Association released the following statement from President Princess Moss:
"With back-to-school in the rearview mirror, more Americans are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of school supplies, packed lunches, and gas continues to outpace salaries and paychecks. Instead of helping families make ends meet, the Trump administration is once again putting its thumb on the scale for private school vouchers at the expense of the public schools that serve 90% of America's students. At a time when educators, students, and families are calling for more resources to strengthen neighborhood public schools, this administration is advancing a plan to divert taxpayer dollars to subsidize private education for a select few.
"We will closely review the Treasury Department's new voucher regulations and continue fighting to ensure public funds remain invested in public schools where every student -- regardless of their race, ZIP code, disability, family income, or immigration status -- can learn, grow, and thrive. America's students deserve policies that expand opportunity, not vouchers that leave most children behind."
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/statement-nea-president-princess-moss-trump-administrations-federal-voucher-rules
[Category: Union]
Statement From NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump Administration's Title IX Rollbacks
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Statement from NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump administration's Title IX Rollbacks
Moss: Schools must be places where every young person can learn, grow and become who they are without fear
By: Celeste Fernandez
September 30, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Education has rolled back Title IX protections for women and girls who are survivors of sexual assault, as well as LGBTQ+ students.
During the Biden administration, Title IX regulations explicitly extended protections
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Statement from NEA President Princess Moss on the Trump administration's Title IX Rollbacks
Moss: Schools must be places where every young person can learn, grow and become who they are without fear
By: Celeste Fernandez
September 30, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Education has rolled back Title IX protections for women and girls who are survivors of sexual assault, as well as LGBTQ+ students.
During the Biden administration, Title IX regulations explicitly extended protectionsto students based on gender identity and sexual orientation and strengthened protections for survivors of sexual assault and harassment. The policy change rolls back those protections and directs schools to return to the framework used during the first Trump administration.
The following can be attributed to National Education Association President Princess Moss:
"Every student deserves to go to school knowing they are safe, valued, and protected from discrimination. The decision by the U.S. Department of Education to roll back Title IX protections for students moves us in the opposite direction.
"Title IX is a landmark civil rights law that has opened doors and expanded opportunities for generations of students. It should not be weakened or used to leave students without meaningful protections against discrimination and harassment.
"This rule takes us back to the 2020 Title IX regulations, putting the emphasis back on protections for those accused of sexual harassment and assault while rolling back protections for women, girls, survivors, and LGBTQ+ students. The Biden-era rules strengthened support for survivors, streamlined the process for resolving complaints, and made explicit what existing guidance and caselaw had already established: Title IX protects all students from sex discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. NEA supported those protections then, and we will continue to fight for them now.
"For educators, this is about something fundamental: Our schools must be places where every young person can learn, grow, and become who they are without fear. Protecting students from sexual harassment and assault means protecting women and girls from violence, while protecting LGBTQ+ students from discrimination means ensuring they have the same opportunity to learn and thrive as their classmates. Every student deserves both.
"Educators see every day what happens when students know they are supported. They are better able to engage, learn, build relationships, and thrive. We also know that discrimination and harassment can create barriers to success.
"NEA will continue to stand with women and girls, survivors, LGBTQ+ students, educators, and families. We will continue working for schools where every student, in every ZIP code, can learn free from discrimination and harassment.
"Our students deserve better than a retreat from civil rights protections. They deserve schools that affirm their humanity, protect their rights, and give every student the opportunity to thrive. NEA will keep fighting for that promise--without exception."
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/statement-nea-president-princess-moss-trump-administrations-title-ix-rollbacks
[Category: Union]
Senate confirms Keith Sonderling as next labor secretary
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO National Association of Letter Carriers issued the following news:
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Senate confirms Keith Sonderling as next labor secretary
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Last night, in a party-line 47-41 vote, the Senate confirmed Keith Sonderling as the next secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL). Sonderling has served as acting secretary since former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer left the agency in April. President Trump officially nominated Sonderling for the position in June.
Sonderling is an attorney who has served in several government positions. Before becoming acting
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO National Association of Letter Carriers issued the following news:
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Senate confirms Keith Sonderling as next labor secretary
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Last night, in a party-line 47-41 vote, the Senate confirmed Keith Sonderling as the next secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL). Sonderling has served as acting secretary since former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer left the agency in April. President Trump officially nominated Sonderling for the position in June.
Sonderling is an attorney who has served in several government positions. Before becoming actingsecretary, Sonderling was confirmed as deputy secretary of labor in March 2025, overseeing the department's operations, strategic planning, budget, and more. From 2020 to 2024, he served as a commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, serving as vice chair of the commission from 2020 to 2021. Before that, from 2017 to 2020, he served as acting administrator and deputy administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the DOL.
The DOL plays a key role in advancing economic opportunities and is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of letter carriers and all workers.
"As Secretary Sonderling officially takes on this critical role, NALC urges him to focus on workers by acting on some of NALC's top priorities with the agency," NALC President Brian L. Renfroe said. "Resuming the rulemaking process for a national heat safety standard and improving the services administered through the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, which letter carriers injured on the job rely on, are essential for letter carriers' safety."
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Original text here: https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/senate-confirms-keith-sonderling-as-next-labor-secretary
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International President John Costa names Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as International Organizer
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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International President John Costa names Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as International Organizer
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Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President John Costa has named Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as a new Organizer in the International Campaigns Department.
"We welcome and congratulate Steve on his new role as an ATU International Organizer," said Costa. "A next-generation leader,
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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International President John Costa names Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as International Organizer
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Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President John Costa has named Local 128-Asheville, NC, President/Business Agent Steve Sprague as a new Organizer in the International Campaigns Department.
"We welcome and congratulate Steve on his new role as an ATU International Organizer," said Costa. "A next-generation leader,Steve has a passion for the ATU, our members, and the labor movement. We're fortunate to have him on board at the International to play an important role in ensuring our Locals are prepared for battle when it comes to organizing, contracts, political action, and community campaigns."
Almost 8 years ago, Steve Sprague took a job at Asheville Transit upon the recommendation of his neighbor who worked in the maintenance department for Asheville Transit. After a few years in the job, Steve became curious about the contract he was working under and reached out to the Local 128 leadership and negotiating committee, who encouraged him to join the union and get involved. He did and helped to rewrite about 80% of the contract and secured big wins for the maintenance workers, including 4-day work weeks and better uniform options including prescription safety glasses and cold weather gear.
Steve then decided to become a Shop Steward and served as the Local's Financial Secretary-Treasurer temporarily. At the next election, Steve ran for and was elected as President/Business Agent. The Monday after being elected, Steve attended his first Central Labor Council meeting where he was nominated and elected to the Executive Board. Under his leadership, Steve negotiated two strong contracts and organized Asheville Transit Dispatchers and Customer Service Employees.
"Thank you, International President Costa, for the opportunity to serve the ATU in this role," said Sprague. "Your leadership and vision have set the standard in the labor movement. I look forward to working with in the Campaigns Department to help ATU members everywhere build the power they need to fight for change."
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Original text here: https://www.atu.org/media/press/2026/international-president-john-costa-names-local-128-asheville-nc-presidentbusiness-agent-steve-sprague-as-international-organizer
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Rebecca Bennett for United States Congress
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 -- Actors' Equity Association, a labor union that says it represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Rebecca Bennett for United States Congress
New York- Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Rebecca Bennett's campaign for the United States House of Representatives (NJ7), on behalf of more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Rebecca Bennett is deeply qualified to serve the people of New Jersey in the House" said
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NEW YORK, Oct. 1 -- Actors' Equity Association, a labor union that says it represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Rebecca Bennett for United States Congress
New York- Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Rebecca Bennett's campaign for the United States House of Representatives (NJ7), on behalf of more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Rebecca Bennett is deeply qualified to serve the people of New Jersey in the House" saidAl Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "And crucially, she is a supporter of workers' rights. It's time to deliver this district into the hands of a pro-labor candidate, and we at Equity are excited to partner with her in this work."
Equity's public policy priorities include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, stronger federal and state arts funding, a prevailing wage in the arts, a strong minimum wage, universal federal health care, tax fairness, racial justice, gun violence prevention and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
Equity's ongoing list of 2026 candidate endorsements can be found here (https://actorsequity.org/news/endorsements).
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ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org
#EquityWorks
September 30, 2026
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Original text here: https://actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/09/30/actors-equity-association-endorses-rebecca-bennett-for-united-states-congress
[Category: Union]
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Juliana Stratton for United States Senate
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 -- Actors' Equity Association, a labor union that says it represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Juliana Stratton for United States Senate
Chicago - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Juliana Stratton's campaign for United States Senate on behalf of the more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Over the last several years, Illinois has made huge strides in boosting its live arts sector, leveling up public
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 -- Actors' Equity Association, a labor union that says it represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Juliana Stratton for United States Senate
Chicago - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Juliana Stratton's campaign for United States Senate on behalf of the more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Over the last several years, Illinois has made huge strides in boosting its live arts sector, leveling up publicsupport for what was already a national center for the entertainment industry," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "Juliana Stratton has spent years serving the people of Illinois, and now she can take that Illinois approach to public arts funding and bring it to a national platform. We look forward to working with her in the Senate."
Juliana Stratton said:
"In Illinois, we are proud supporters of the arts and proud supporters of organized labor. Live theatre is made possible by the incredible performers and crew members who put their heart into each and every production, and they deserve our support. I am honored to have the endorsement of Actors' Equity Association, and look forward to collaborating with them to advance the priorities of working people -- from affordable healthcare to fair compensation and protecting collective bargaining rights."
Equity's public policy priorities include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, stronger federal and state arts funding, a prevailing wage in the arts, a strong minimum wage, universal federal health care, tax fairness, racial justice, gun violence prevention and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
Equity's ongoing list of 2026 candidate endorsements can be found here (https://actorsequity.org/news/endorsements).
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ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks
September 29, 2026
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Original text here: https://actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/09/29/actors-equity-association-endorses-juliana-stratton-for-united-states-senate
[Category: Union]
'Poison Pill': AFT's Weingarten Slams Trump Voucher Scam
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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'Poison Pill': AFT's Weingarten Slams Trump Voucher Scam
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WASHINGTON-AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement after the Trump administration released new regulations for its unpopular national private school voucher scheme:
"This scheme is a poison pill for the 90 percent of American children who attend public schools. Instead of strengthening public education, President Trump is diverting $500 billion in taxpayer cash into private hands, with everyone
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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'Poison Pill': AFT's Weingarten Slams Trump Voucher Scam
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WASHINGTON-AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement after the Trump administration released new regulations for its unpopular national private school voucher scheme:
"This scheme is a poison pill for the 90 percent of American children who attend public schools. Instead of strengthening public education, President Trump is diverting $500 billion in taxpayer cash into private hands, with everyoneelse left fighting for scraps in a real-life Hunger Games.
"State governors should reject it-not least of all because they will have no say or oversight over how the vouchers operate. The reality is that for every precious public dollar funneled to private schools-money that could be spent on instruction, lowering class sizes, modern buildings or new books in the library-public school parents will be hunting for pennies on the floor.
"This isn't about 'school choice'; it's the about the school's choice: Private schools can simply refuse to accept poor kids, those with special needs or those with different religions. And they can refuse to submit to the basic accountability measures their backers hypocritically demand of public schools. If this were really about 'choice' then the administration would be trying to help public schools succeed, rather than eviscerating them.
"Instead, this is yet another cruel chapter in the Trump's administration's war on families after the Big, Ugly Bill slashed trillions in support for young people by gutting Medicaid, food assistance and student loans.
"If we are serious about the promise of education then we have an obligation to make every public school a place where parents want to send their kids, educators want to work and kids thrive. Instead of this voucher scheme, we should commit to creating safe and welcoming schools with a curriculum that is engaging, relevant and rigorous. That means multiple pathways to career and college, expanding community schools, focusing on literacy and critical thinking, and protecting children against the perils of artificial intelligence while harnessing its potential. These regulations do the exact opposite."
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Original text here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/poison-pill-afts-weingarten-slams-trump-voucher-scam
