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Viri Pettersen

@mspetter.bsky.social
8.3K followers 7.7K following 179 posts

Kamala’s Capt, fmr NYSUT Asst to Pres, fmr Director, AFT NE; NYSUT member; Retired Educator & RVCTA Union President; Long Islander; Focused on families, friends, public education, unions, politics; Coffee-drinker!☕️ 🚫DMs linktr.ee/mspetter

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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Sen. John Curtis, a Republican, wants Don Jr. subpoenaed over a Putin-connected oligarch's party. Durbin says he'll back it. Call your senators today and demand they sign on. Rich men don't hand out favors free, and you're the one who gets the bill. #TrumpsCorruptCongress
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
It's time for Asante to respect the healthcare workers caring for Medford patients. Glad to see Oregon State Sen. Taylor & State Rep. Grayber demanding answers about Southern Oregon's largest healthcare system spending on anti-union tactics instead of patient care. www.oregonrn.org/page/ORLegsD...
oregonrn.org
Oregon Legislators Demand Answers to Asante's Anti-Union Spending - Oregon Nurses Association
The Oregon Nurses Association
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
"My hope stems not from passive wishing but from actively fighting for progress, along with so many others compelled to act by anxiety over the affordability, democracy and AI crises.” Exactly right, @rweingarten.bsky.social www.aft.org/column/ai-sa...
aft.org
AI safety must be the priority
Officials must act now to make safety as important as innovation.
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
You can be sure that I’m voting for elected officials who will do something to address affordability, AI and anxiety—because no one should have to worry about their privacy or safety at home, in school, or at their workplace. @aft.org @rweingarten.bsky.social www.aft.org/column/ai-sa...
aft.org
AI safety must be the priority
Officials must act now to make safety as important as innovation.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
No matter your politics, American citizens need to be able to exercise their basic democratic right to vote without intimidation. That's why we joined a coalition to file a federal lawsuit challenging the administration's attempts to put armed agents at polling places. www.aft.org/press-releas...
aft.org
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locations
WASHINGTON— Nine organizations representing immigrants, communities of color, and workers — the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Mi Familia en Accion,
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Millions of Americans - including Trump - vote by mail. SCOTUS protected them today. Protecting the right to vote shouldn’t be a partisan issue and SCOTUS said that loud and clear today. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Supreme Court blocks Trump mail-in ballot plan
Justices turn down administration’s bid to have Postal Service enforce new voting requirements before midterms.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Mr President You are dead wrong on this.. Safety is not an afterthought , it is the path forward to AI not overtaking the wirkd. It’s not about China, it’s about all of us!! www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Trump tries to kill regulations on ‘HOAX’ AI dangers
The president is trying to shut down a growing push for AI regulation, amid calls from leaders to slow the production of artificial intelligence.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Today's SCOTUS decision on mail ballots is strictly procedural. Nothing substantively has changed. When SCOTUS ultimately rules on the merits it must follow the Constitution, like it did in June. States — not Trump or the US Postal Service — run elections www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/u...
nytimes.com
Court Allows Trump to Pursue Mail Voting Limits, for Now
The administration asked the court to clear the way for President Trump’s order that creates “state citizenship lists” and directs the Postal Service to decide who gets a mail-in ballot.
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
✍️ Takes a second to add your name! just Support Hofstra Faculty. Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/su...
actionnetwork.org
Support Hofstra Faculty
This petition is an opportunity for members of the Hofstra community, friends, students, parents, alumni, and more, to show their solidarity with Hofstra faculty as they negotiate their upcoming colle...
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Linda McMahon really thinks this is ok.. OMG AI and screens substituting for real humans at the beginning of every day Schools are essentially human endeavors. Forget the education issues, starting school like this every day is not how you connect with children x.com/atrupar/stat...
x.com
Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) on X
Linda McMahon on successful uses of AI in classrooms: "The first couple hours every day students really have on headphones, they're in front of their computers, they're getting their subjects fed to t...
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
We are calling on Target to stands with the Twin Cities. And until it does, we’re standing together, shopping smart and shopping local. We are joined by groups nationwide telling Target: your silence on ICE is a choice and we’re responding with ours. Shop smart, not Target. www.aft.org/shopsmart
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AFT @aft.org · 18/08/2026
AFT paraprofessional member Ashley from Baltimore shares her story of how she maxed out her credit cards paying for a family member's emergency care and was forced to turn to "buy now, pay later" loans to keep up with her electric bill, car insurance and other essentials.
nytimes.com
‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Lenders Pitch Loans for Needs Like Electricity and Rent
The rapid growth of pay-later loans raises questions about whether their popularity is driven by consumer preference or desperation.
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AFT @aft.org · 04/08/2026
Financial stress doesn't end at the checkout line. Credit reporting can shape your ability to rent a home, get a job or access affordable loans. Join AFT's credit reporting clinic today at 7 p.m. ET to better understand your rights. Go.AFT.org/aftaffordabilityclinic
go.aft.org
Debt Clinic Selection - AFT Affordability Clinics
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DemCast USA @demcast.com · 05/08/2026
Cutting Medicare Part D subsidies isn’t “fiscal discipline.” It’s a prescription for higher drug costs, more untreated illness, and greater long‑term healthcare spending. Seniors deserve stability, not surprise hikes in essential medication costs.
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AFT @aft.org · 19/07/2026
The AFT now has our highest membership ever, and we'll use our power to win elections this November. America's working families deserve leaders who believe in opportunity and economic security for all. More in @rweingarten.bsky.social's latest New York Times column. www.aft.org/column/build...
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Cordie @cordie92.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
What an important conversation that needs to be had in more spaces. Differences do not have to mean hate!! #AFT26
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AFT @aft.org · 19/07/2026
Dolores Huerta, the civil rights icon who co-founded the United Farm Workers of America—which fights for the rights, safety, power and dignity of agricultural workers—was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the AFT convention.
aft.org
Dolores Huerta honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award
Dolores Huerta, the civil rights icon who co-founded the United Farm Workers of America—which fights for the rights, safety, power and dignity of agricultural workers—was given the Lifetime Achievemen...
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
An Iranian attack killed two US soldiers, and another is missing. I am sending my prayers to the victims’ families and pleading for an end to this costly and deadly war. www.nytimes.com/live/2026/07...
nytimes.com
Iran War Live Updates: U.S. Launches Strikes After Iranian Attack Kills 2 American Soldiers
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AFT @aft.org · 19/07/2026
Sara Nelson is all-in for the AFT in our own fights. She deplored the conditions too many educators work under. She also struck a note of deep solidarity with AFT values: “Education is a foundation of democracy, and healthcare is a human right.” @flyingwithsara.bsky.social
aft.org
Flight attendants president asks for help in tough campaign at Delta
You can always spot a teacher’s kid. They get it. “I feel very at home in this room,” Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA—and a teacher’s daughter and form...
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Congratulations!
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AFT @aft.org · 19/07/2026
Today at Convention, @amyspitalnick.bsky.social & Dr. Debbie Almontaser joined AFT President @rweingarten.bsky.social for a candid discussion about hate, solidarity and how educators can create space for disagreement that builds empathy instead of deepening division.
aft.org
Choosing humanity in divided times
As antisemitism and Islamophobia rise and conversations about both grow more fraught, Jewish and Muslim leaders took the stage at the AFT convention with a clear message: Silence doesn’t protect commu...
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
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Cordie @cordie92.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
In her award acceptance speech @stacydavisgates.bsky.social at the @aft.org Black Caucus Scholarship Luncheon says we have to care about our collective solidarity and Liberation. We have an obligation to this union to not let this work for by the wayside!!!!!
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Cordie @cordie92.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
In his award acceptance speech at the Black Caucus Luncheon, Bro. Leroy Barr stresses “If you’re not going to get in the fight, GET OUT OF THE WAY!!” @aftprog.bsky.social @aft.org
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agf sorri @agf101.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The words to remember, support and act upon are “Organize, Organize Organize!” Make your voices heard by organizing to Make A Better Life For ALL! @aft.org @rweingarten.bsky.social
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Darla Schultz-Bubar @darla21.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Organize and build solidarity! Having a union makes a difference. #AFT26 #AFTPC26
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Darla Schultz-Bubar @darla21.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
When you make organizing a priority - growth follows! #AFT26 #AFTPC26
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Darla Schultz-Bubar @darla21.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
We are ready to do the work - count us IN! President Weingarten you can count on NYSUT! #AFT26 #AFTPC26
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ktajeff.bsky.social @ktajeff.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
“NYSUT is all in, every AFT delegate in the room can count on NYSUT - A Union of Professionals to invest our time and energy to help!” Melinda Person NYSUT President. #AFT26 #AFTPC26
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Some outstanding points made during this session! Grateful for this panel. @aft.org #IamAFT
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Jen Higgins @galprogressist.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Great conversation about the state of our democracy at #AFT26! #aftpc26
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Tonight's speech (or whatever you call that disaster) shows that Trump is desperate & afraid. American voters will hold the president & his allies accountable for putting billionaires over working families. Americans elected him to lead, not peddle election conspiracies. www.aft.org/press-releas...
aft.org
AFT’s Weingarten Responds to Desperate Trump Election Lies
WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement after President Donald Trump delivered a farcical prime-time address to the nation: “Donald Trump is desperate and afraid. Inst...
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AFT @aft.org · 17/07/2026
Happening now: @rweingarten.bsky.social is moderating the "Panel of Scholars" with @chenoweth.bsky.social, Danielle Allen, @ericholder.bsky.social and @ruthbenghiat.bsky.social. Watch live here ➡️ www.youtube.com/live/eNWaPpS...
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AFT @aft.org · 16/07/2026
We’re getting ready to kickoff day one of our 2026 AFT Convention! Tune in to hear from @rweingarten.bsky.social, @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social, @warnock.senate.gov, @janeese4dc.bsky.social, and more ⤵️ youtube.com/live/NQgjjGy...
youtube.com
AFT Convention 2026: Fighting for a Better Life for All
YouTube video by AFT
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AFT @aft.org · 16/07/2026
WATCH: In her 2026 State of the Union address, @rweingarten.bsky.social reflected on the state of the nation, celebrates the power of working people, and calls on members to organize, vote and fight for a better life for all. Watch her speech, and check out our members' reactions here.
aft.org
2026 State of the Union: Building Our Power to Create a Better Future
In her 2026 State of the Union address, AFT President Randi Weingarten reflects on the state of the nation, celebrates the power of working people, and calls on members to organize, vote and fight for...
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agf sorri @agf101.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
It’s AFT RA Convention time! All states in the house! @aft.org @rweingarten.bsky.social @mspetter.bsky.social
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
We care, we fight, we show up, we vote and we get shit done. - @rweingarten.bsky.social www.aft.org/convention/s...
aft.org
2026 State of the Union: Building Our Power to Create a Better Future
In her 2026 State of the Union address, AFT President Randi Weingarten reflects on the state of the nation, celebrates the power of working people, and calls on members to organize, vote and fight for...
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AFT @aft.org · 09/07/2026
Your credit score can quietly decide if you get the apartment, the job, or a fair loan rate ⁉️ The newest Fight for Affordability video series breaks down how credit reporting really works, how to check your report for free & what to do about errors. AFT is here to help 🤝 youtu.be/obXDRjKMRj8
youtu.be
Credit Reporting and Scores: An Introduction
YouTube video by AFT
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AFT @aft.org · 08/07/2026
AFT, @aaup.org, @aftct.bsky.social, & @yaleaaup.bsky.social urge Yale to reject a settlement with the Trump admin: “[Yale] should defend academic freedom in public in solidarity with the broader higher ed community, and in accordance with the principles that make a university worthy of the name.”
aft.org
AAUP, AFT, Yale Leaders Urge University to Resist Trump Administration Settlement Demands
WASHINGTON–Today, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), AFT Connecticut, Yale AAUP and the national AFT sent a letter to the Yale University Board of Trustees, urging them to rejec...
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I got another letter from the House Education and Workforce Committee yesterday. This is the 4th time this Congress that this GOP committee has tried to “investigate” the AFT or one of our affiliates—and each time they’ve come up with nothing.
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Another GOP diversion from a topic AFT’s been tackling - Affordability. We know you for your character and integrity, Randi, and will stand by you today and always.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Despite billionaire-funded attacks on public education and unions, 97% of United Teachers of Dade members who voted in this election supported keeping the union. Every child to deserves to have a pathway to success, and we're not going to give up on them. www.miamiherald.com/news/local/e...
miamiherald.com
Miami-Dade teachers union says it survives despite missing participation threshold
United Teachers of Dade was shy of a new turnout threshold by just 124 votes. Here’s why they say they’re still alive.
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Randi Weingarten 🖇️📚✊🇺🇸 @rweingarten.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Congratulations to the Columbus Metropolitan Library workers on winning your union vote! Workers stood together to improve working conditions and better deliver what their communities expect from their local libraries, and now have won the voice on the job that they deserve. @oftunion.bsky.social
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AFT @aft.org · 08/07/2026
In a new AFT Voices piece, retiree Jim Carr reflects on his career—which began as a part-time teacher in a NY correctional facility and grew into 30+ years of public service and union leadership—and how his early experiences reinforced the values of solidarity, perseverance and collective action.
aftvoices.org
My unexpected path to public service and union leadership
By Jim Carr
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Giovanni, 3rd grade: “After I eat the summer meals, I actually feel full. It’s true, it makes me feel better, and it makes me feel happier.” Trump’s Corrupt Republicans just cut SNAP for 770,000 kids like Giovanni. Full shouldn’t be a luxury. #RepublicansStarveChildren
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Mark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Marilou & I are still on a high from The Presidential Center Opening! A non-stop party with inspirational speeches from Barack & Michelle, followed by a FANtastic 🎶 concert (check out the artists below)! By the time Stevie Wonder performed "Higher Ground" the crowd nearly passed out from sheer joy!🥰
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AFT @aft.org · 19/06/2026
Today we're excited to celebrate #Juneteenth, the oldest annual Black freedom celebration in the US. On this day in 1865, Union Army Gen. Gordon Granger proclaimed the end of slavery to individuals in Galveston, Texas. Learn more from @sharemylesson.bsky.social: sharemylesson.com/juneteenth-a...
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Danielle ❌👑 @danielleloveswords.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Juneteenth… gives us an occasion to reflect on the profound contributions of enslaved black Americans to the cause of human freedom. It gives us another way to recognize the central place of slavery and its demise in our national story. -Jamelle Bouie Gift article: www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Why Juneteenth Matters (Published 2020)
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AFT @aft.org · 12/06/2026
In a new video, @rweingarten.bsky.social shares updates from @aflcio.org convention about our shared vision to fight for working people, addresses the burdens of rising inflation, denounces ICE arrests at a pre-K graduation in Baltimore, and lifts up @pft.org's big win saving educator jobs. Watch ⤵️
youtu.be
Randi's Weekly Report: Building Worker Power in a Time of Rising Costs and Growing Challenges!
YouTube video by AFT
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Viri Pettersen @mspetter.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Groceries up 3% in one month — the highest in years. And analysts say we’re just at the BEGINNING. Trump’s war in Iran is driving up diesel. Diesel moves 80% of our food. We’re all paying for a war we didn’t vote for. 💸 #CantAffordTrump
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