American Federation of Teachers Extends Deadline
To Apply for Hurricane Disaster Relief to Nov. 15

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Due to overwhelming demand from its members in the hurricane-stricken areas of Mississippi and Louisiana, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) yesterday announced that it is extending the deadline for application to its Disaster Relief Fund. The new deadline is Nov. 15, 2005.

Eligible members in areas struck by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can receive grants of $500 from the AFT Disaster Relief Fund. The national union already has accepted nearly 6,000 applications and has begun disbursing $3 million in grants. The union estimates that by extending the deadline, an additional 2,000 applications will be received and another $2 million in grants processed.

For comments from Steve Monaghan, president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, please contact 225/923-1037.

For comments from Greg Kelly, president of Mississippi AFT Paraprofessionals & School Related Personnel, please contact 601/960-8744.

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