Educators' Voices Are Influential on Ballot Questions

Greetings,

One of the lessons we learned from the No on 2 campaign was that when educators knock on doors, voters listen.

When we went canvassing against charter school expansion in 2016, many MTA members had the experience of voters stepping out onto their porches or inviting us into their homes to hear our opinions about charter schools. They told us how confusing the issue was, and they welcomed our perspectives. Our resounding victory — which kept the cap intact — happened because the voters trusted educators when we said No on 2.
 
That is why it is crucial for MTA members to go door knocking this year for  Yes on 1 — safe patient limits — and Yes on 3 — maintaining the rights of transgender people. You will have the same influence on voters that you had on Question 2.
 
Yes on Question 1 for Safe Patient Limits
Question 1, backed by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, would set safe maximum limits on the number of patients assigned to a nurse at one time. Just as educators know that small class sizes allow us to give the necessary attention to each and every student, nurses know that safe patient-to-nurse ratios allow them to give the necessary attention to each and every patient.
 
In our battle to keep the cap, billionaires poured millions of dollars into the fight as they sought to vastly expand the number of charter schools. This time, wealthy hospital CEOs and administrators are pouring in millions to defeat Question 1. They are putting their profits before our care.
 
The ads and signs claiming that nurses oppose Question 1 are straight up anti-union propaganda. In a survey conducted by the MNA, 86 percent of nurses supported Question 1. Many of the nurses who are opposed to Question 1 are nurse administrators who are not part of a collective bargaining unit. The MTA Board voted to support Question 1. We hope you will vote Yes on Question 1.
 
Yes on Question 3 to Uphold Anti-Discrimination Law
A yes vote on Question 3 would retain a Massachusetts law enacted in 2016 protecting transgender people from discrimination in public places. This is a fundamental civil right that must not be taken away.
 
More and more of our students are identifying as transgender. As educators, we work hard to create safe and inclusive classrooms, schools and colleges and to meet the needs of an ever-changing student population. More of our colleagues are feeling safer about identifying as transgender. As unionists, we need to protect their rights as well as those of our students.
 
Canvass With Us on These Questions
Please join me and Vice President Max Page in MTA activism on these vital issues by canvassing, phone banking and talking to your friends and family members before Election Day.
 
This Saturday, join me for a canvass on Question 3 with the 1st Middlesex and Norfolk Legislative and Political Action Team in Newton. The canvass will begin at 10:30 a.m. For further information, email MTA Senate District Coordinator Susan Davidoff at sdavidoff@massteacher.org.
 
On Nov. 3, the MTA will have a short rally and then canvass on Question 1 in Quincy. We will meet at 10 a.m. at MTA headquarters, 2 Heritage Drive, Quincy, and then canvass from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with fellow educators, other community members, and nurses.
 
MTA Recommends Gonzalez
Jay Gonzalez supports raising progressive revenues to fund public education and opposes privatization efforts, including increasing the number of charter schools. That is why the MTA supports his candidacy for governor. For opportunities to get involved with Jay's campaign, go to www.Jay4MA.com or e-mail  grassrootscampaign@massteacher.org.
 
Please come out and be a part of this important election season.
 
Remember that Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Please read the General Election Guide in the upcoming issue of MTA Today for information on the other candidates the MTA is recommending.
 
In solidarity,
 
Merrie