Educators' Union Presidents Criticize Baker's Proposed Billion-Dollar Giveaway

Educators' Union Presidents Criticize Baker's Proposed Billion-Dollar Giveaway


BOSTON - Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy and AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos today issued the following joint statement on Governor Charlie Baker's proposed multi-month elimination of the state's sales tax:

"As we emerge from the pandemic, the needs in Massachusetts have never been greater. They require smart decisions that provide for long-term investments in our future. Instead, Governor Baker wants to spend $900 million to boost the profits of large, out-of-state big-box stores and online retailers.

"We must ensure that our public schools and colleges have the resources to support students after a historic year of disruption and invest in our transportation systems to keep congestion from returning. The Legislature has demonstrated that it supports responsible tax policy that lifts everyone up. With so many facing incredible hardship, Baker's billion-dollar giveaway is the wrong move."