MTA Board commits to education policy agenda for the year ahead

The MTA Board of Directors voted Sunday to establish priorities for the year that include dedicating substantial funds to support candidates in municipal elections endorsed by local educator unions. In addition, the union will explore the possibility of winning constitutional amendments that make access to high-quality, debt-free public higher education and early education and child care universal rights, paid for with a tax on the wealth of the richest 1%.

“Our members have become more politically active in their communities to ensure funding for schools is kept at levels to meet the needs of their students,” said MTA President Max Page. “So many critical decisions about our schools are made at the local level that it is imperative for educators to be involved in how those decisions are made. Bargaining contracts is one way of doing that; supporting candidates who value public education is another way to do that.”

The MTA Board voted to place $1 million in its independent expenditure PAC to begin this work of assisting local associations that want to back candidates.

The MTA Board solidified political priorities that also include the creation of an exploratory committee for a possible ballot question to institute a tax on the wealth of the ultrarich, those individuals who hold tens of millions of dollars or more in wealth.

“So many critical decisions about our schools are made at the local level that it is imperative for educators to be involved in how those decisions are made."

MTA President Max Page

“The passage of Fair Share, which this year is bringing in $3 billion for public education and transportation from less than 1% of taxpayers, demonstrates how a fairer, more equitable tax system can generate billions of dollars for the common good,” Page said. “Massachusetts has more millionaires — and they are wealthier — than before voters passed a constitutional amendment to place a 4 % tax on income above $1 million. Fair Share has made our state a more attractive place to live by investing in the foundations of a prosperous Commonwealth.”

The MTA Board also voted to explore ways to achieve universal access to public, preK education and debt-free access to public higher education for any resident who wants to pursue post-secondary education or career training.

“Our state Constitution guarantees the right to an appropriate public education, which has been interpreted by the courts to mean kindergarten through grade 12, Page said. “That right must be expanded to include preK and public college to be meaningful in the 21st century. If we truly want to get all children the head start they need, we must provide every child with the opportunity to attend a high-quality, public prekindergarten program. And if we are serious about social and economic justice and nurturing a culturally rich and welcoming state of involved citizens, we will provide all residents with the best vehicle for a prosperous future – public education.”

The Board of the MTA also reiterated its commitment to organize and involve all educators across the 400 local associations in the statewide union, and to remain at the forefront of defending public education against the attacks by the authoritarian-leaning administration in Washington.

“The MTA has a special responsibility to defend public education, both from the relentless attacks that have been coming from the federal government and the chronic underfunding our students experience when the state, cities and towns set their budgets,” said MTA Vice President Deb McCarthy. “Our legislative priorities empower public educators to challenge threats to our schools and communities, from wherever those actions arise, and to promote a vision of public education based on the values they bring to this profession.”

Fair Share Amendment MTA Legislative Priorities

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