AFT Launches Ad Campaign Targeting GOP Senators Over Tax Bill Impact

AFT Launches New Ad Campaign Against GOP Senators Over Tax Bill

Eight Ads on Streaming Platforms Amplify $2 Million ‘Put Families First’ Initiative

WASHINGTON—The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has unveiled a series of eight new streaming video advertisements targeting nine Republican senators regarding the contentious Trump tax bill currently under consideration in Congress.

The newly launched ad campaign, costing six figures and lasting 10 days, will be broadcast across major online and streaming TV platforms. The ads specifically focus on senators from Alaska (Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan), Iowa (Joni Ernst), Maine (Susan Collins), Missouri (Josh Hawley), North Carolina (Thom Tillis), Ohio (Jon Husted), Pennsylvania (David McCormick), and West Virginia (James Justice).

The ads aim to highlight the severe impact the so-called "big, beautiful bill" could have on the daily lives of Americans. They focus on the potential consequences of cutting essential programs that many Americans rely on, while funding tax cuts for the wealthy.

The legislation, according to the ads, threatens to remove millions from Medicaid, increase the national debt, and pressure interest rates. It also includes a substantial school voucher system poised to divert billions of public funds to private schools, primarily benefiting affluent families. Additionally, the bill challenges family safety by potentially preventing the regulation of artificial intelligence.

“These timely spots show the devastating real-world impact of the president’s big, ugly, bill,” stated AFT President Randi Weingarten. “The stories are heartbreaking: whether it’s closing rural hospitals, denying kids critical healthcare or pushing up everyday costs for families, these reckless and chaotic cuts pushed by extremist politicians should be called out.”

The ads convey a direct message about the human cost of these cuts, emphasizing the need to prioritize families over wealthy donors. Weingarten further emphasized the AFT's commitment to advocating for their vision of opportunity and justice, which includes working-class tax cuts, full funding for public schools, expanding affordable healthcare, and ensuring appropriate AI regulations.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would decrease resources for the poorest 10 percent of households by $1,600 annually, while those in the top 10 percent could see increases of about $12,000. Public opinion polling has indicated that more than two-thirds of Americans, including non-MAGA Republicans, oppose the bill.

The ad initiative follows the union's successful $2 million “Put Families First” effort, introduced last month in partnership with several other unions, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the National Education Association, and the Service Employees International Union.

The new advertisements, consisting of three explainer videos, three testimonials, and two exposés on school vouchers, were created internally by the AFT.

Federal school vouchers:

Trump’s Proposed Bill Attacks Public Schools and Students—https://youtu.be/W8xMTmy8Kq8

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education faculty, government employees, nurses, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.

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