Bill is a major advance for education justice

Bill is a major advance for education justice


Najimy: "We have taken a big step closer to providing the funding that our students and our schools desperately need and deserve."

The following statement was issued today by MTA President Merrie Najimy:

Because of the organizing and actions taken by countless educators, students and other supporters of public education via the Fund Our Future campaign, we have taken a big step closer to providing the funding that our students and our schools desperately need and deserve.

The Student Opportunity Act, the education funding bill released today, goes a long way toward achieving what the MTA and its allies in the Fund Our Future coalition sought — a generational investment in public education that helps every district and advances the causes of equity and justice for the districts most in need. Modeled on the MTA-backed Promise Act, the bill appears to fulfill the recommendations stated in the 2015 report of the Foundation Budget Review Commission.

The MTA will continue to work with our coalition partners and with legislators to refine and improve the bill where necessary and protect it from changes that would undermine district and educator autonomy. We look forward to making sure that the new resources are used to the greatest benefit of students throughout the Commonwealth.