Latest Developments

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Joint Committee on Ways and Means 

11 AM

 UMass Amherst Campus Center 

 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA 01002 

While the public will not be allowed to speak at this hearing, your physical presence is so important. Please come and stand in solidarity while representatives from a variety of educational and municipal advocacy groups speak out in favor of supplemental budget requests for FY26. 

Joint Committee on Ways and Means 

11 AM

24 Beacon St.

Gardner Auditorium

Boston, MA 02108

This hearing will allow the public to speak (3 minutes maximum, strictly enforced). To sign-up to speak, please email the MTA at smarcotte@massteacher.org

To submit written testimony, please complete this Google form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaCYRUvASRlBfqxk8K4FaZJD4gE59IImzpbIq9SrRYmS_Xog/viewform

 The Governor’s budget proposal, known as House 1, would continue implementation of the funding schedules in the Student Opportunity Act, bringing Chapter 70 school aid up to $7.3 billion, an increase of $420 million over fiscal 2025.

Lack of school funding is affecting communities of all sizes. How can you help?

1. Write an email to the Chairs of Ways and Means: Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov and Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov  (using this template from MARS, or one of the customizable letters in the Document section below). Please personalize it with information specific to your community. 

2. Call the Governor's Office (617-727-4005) and ask the Governor to support the supplemental budget requests for FY26. 

3. Send a letter of support to your state senator/state representative (sample letter available in documents below)

Mobilize your community! THE TIME IS NOW!