Public Employees | July 2025

What the big, horrible bill means for Medicaid

Under the Republicans’ new budget law, more than 16 million Americans will lose healthcare coverage, tens of millions will have increased out-of-pocket costs, and thousands will die unnecessarily every year because of the law’s Medicaid and Affordable Care Act policies. Medicaid provides access to healthcare for people with disabilities, retirees, 40 percent of new babies, nearly 1.6 million veterans, more than 2 million military-attached children, low-wage workers, and millions of people on Medicare who get supplemental Medicaid. It’s also essential to paying for long-term care, including in nursing homes. Cuts to Medicaid will likely force many hospitals to close. To make matters worse, the law will trigger more than $500 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare. Prepare for what’s in store.

9 things you can do to save democracy

Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and a multitude of other public services, not to mention diversity, equity and inclusion—so much of what we hold dear is now under the knife. What can we do? Plenty. Here are nine actions you can take right now to fight back and help save democracy.

Take action against authoritarianism

One day before Independence Day, the House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump’s big, ugly bill, now signed into law. This, despite the bill’s dire consequences for veterans, families and employees who will be hurt after the legislation takes effect. What's next? Keep marching. Millions of people have peacefully and passionately joined “No Kings” protests to say we won’t stand by while democracy is dismantled. The nonviolent marches and rallies show there’s a role for Americans to stand up for opportunity, dignity and a democracy that works for everyone. In her monthly column, AFT President Randi Weingarten reminds us that we must keep exercising the power of the people.

AFT leaders call for stronger heat protections

The AFT is asking the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop a strong, enforceable national standard to safeguard workers from the growing threat of excessive heat as record-breaking temperatures sear cities and towns all over the country. On June 26, five AFT leaders spoke before OSHA on a virtual panel and told riveting personal stories. They made it plain that no one should have to work in dangerous heat, inside or outside. The proposed rule would require employers to make heat safety plans and take reasonable precautions to protect workers from heat. The stakes are high to safeguard all workers exposed to heat on the job.

AFT Health Care: The future of public health

Public health has become politicized, and its evidence-based approaches are severely challenged by misinformation. What is the way forward? In the current issue of AFT Health Care, epidemiologist Jonathan Samet outlines how public health has changed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, how it’s being impacted by the Trump administration, and how we can work together to build healthier lives for all.