Legislative News & Outreach

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="043a45a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Massachusetts Society of Professors</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Massachusetts Society of Professors"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="about.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MSP 101"><U>MSP 101</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Member Benefits"><U>Member Benefits</U></A>   |   <A HREF="news.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MSP News Publications"><U>MSP News & Publications</U></A>   |   <B>Legislative News & Outreach</B>   |   <A HREF="contracts.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MSP Contract Policies"><U>MSP Contract & Policies</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id106.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Current Bargaining Proposals"><U>Current Bargaining Proposals</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id107.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MSP Initiatives"><U>MSP Initiatives</U></A>   |   <A HREF="faqs.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Frequently Asked Questions"><U>Frequently Asked Questions</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Useful Links"><U>Useful Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="contact.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="044d2b03.jpg"> <div> <IMG SRC="09464640.gif" border=0 width="100" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Legislative News & Outreach</I></div> <bR> <div> Update on MTA Supported Bill to Raise the COLA for Retirees</div> <bR> <div> As we reported earlier, the MTA is supporting a bill, SB1586, to raise the Cost of Living Adjustment base to $25,000.  Right now, the maximum annual COLA that retirees can receive is 3 percent on the first $12,000 of their pensions. The COLA  base was set at $6,000 in 1971 and has only doubled to $12,000 during the past 36 years.</div> <bR> <div> The <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#800080" FACE="Arial" ><B>COLA Lobby Day on April 4</B></FONT> was a success with 70 volunteers lobbying their legislators about increasing the COLA received by retirees.  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#800080" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Virtual Lobby Campaign </B></FONT>was also a success.  Over 2,700 emails were sent to members of the Legislature.  The bill was heard before the Joint Committee on Public Service.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Your Help is Still Needed.</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> It is imperative that the members of this Committee report out SB1586 favorably. </div> <div> <A HREF="http://capwiz.com/nea/ma/issues/alert/?alertid=9622991&type=ST" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://capwiz.com/nea/ma/issues/alert/?a"><U><U>E-mail your state senators and state representatives and ask them for their support.</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > [A suggested message is provided for you.]</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://massteacher.org/lobby4cola/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://massteacher.org/lobby4cola/"><U><B><IMG SRC="13a967d0.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="125" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> For additional information or if you have any questions, please contact MTA Retired Members Service Specialist Jo Ann Fitzgerald, at 1-800-392-6175 (ext. 8314) or <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:jfitzgerald@massteacher.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:jfitzgerald@massteacher.org"><U><U>jfitzgerald@massteacher.org</U></U></A><U>.</U></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> 2006 Election -- MSP Endorsements</div> <div> 1.  <U>Deval Patrick for Governor</U></div> <bR> <div> Deval Patrick made an extraordinary showing in the State primary election, winning 50% of the votes, and current polls show him ahead of Kerry Healey in a potential match-up in the November election.  The win amply illustrates the power of a grassroots campaign and the resonance of his message for the people of Massachusetts.  Deval extended to the MSP his personal thanks for our endorsement before the primary, and hopes to work closely with us after the November elections as he develops and implements his pro-public higher education policies for the Commonwealth. </div> <bR> <div> Should anyone need reminders of the devastating effect that our Republican governors have had on our own workplace, here are a few:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Under the Romney-Healey administration, public higher ed spending fell by over 15% to put us 47th in the nation in per capita spending for higher education.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Under the Romney-Healey administration, tuition and fees have increased 50 percent at UMass, 46.6 percent at the state colleges and 22.7 percent at the community colleges, making the pursuit of public higher education opportunities beyond reach for many students in Massachusetts.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Romney-Healey administration has proposed caps on our pension plans, and required 401K plans, in their attempt to eliminate defined benefit plans for future state employees.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Romney-Healy administration has consistently tried to raise our health insurance premiums, and proposed that family plans be eliminated entirely.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Romney-Healy administration vetoed our retro pay every time and has shown little respect for collective bargaining agreements.</div> <bR> <div> Deval Patrick promises to change the culture on Beacon Hill to encourage more democratic participation and ownership of our own government.  He has a responsible approach to taxes, understanding that the roll-back of the tax rate will effect public education spending and support for local government.  He has a wealth of experience in government, non-profits, and corporations that should appeal to a broad coalition of voters.  The way he has run his campaign shows what kind of a person he is:  a good listener, smart collaborator, tireless worker, and inspiring speaker.  We look forward to working alongside MTA towards his election in November.  </div> <bR> <div> Here's where Deval Patrick stands on our important issues:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">He believes that public higher education has been chronically under-funded and under-valued by the Romney/Healey administration and says that long-term solutions are essential to meet the needs of public higher education.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">He understands that a stable funding stream will help lower tuition and fees, which have skyrocketed in the past few years.  He believes that the state must invest in public higher education so that it is affordable to students and their families.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">He has stated that he will honor all collective bargaining agreements and sees no circumstance under which he would veto duly negotiated contracts.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">He will work to ensure that health insurance premiums are held in check and reduce the cost of prescription drugs.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700dc00000000.png" HEIGHT="15" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">He will protect defined-benefit plans for public employees.</div> <bR> <div> 2. <U> Question 2</U></div> <bR> <div> MSP has joined Mass. Senior Action, ACORN, and dozens of other groups in endorsing Question 2 on the November ballot.  Question 2 would increase political accountability and voter choice by allowing cross-endorsement (also called fusion) voting.  This was common in most states 100 years ago, and is still legal in New York and Connecticut.  It allows a candidate to be endorsed by more than one party and appear on more than one ballot line.  MSP urges a YES vote on Question 2 on November 7.</div> <bR> <div> 3.  <U>Question 3</U></div> <bR> <div> On November 7, Massachusetts voters will have the opportunity to vote on Question 3 -- the Better Child Care Initiative.</div> <bR> <div> Question 3  would allow licensed and other authorized child care providers who work in private homes under the state's subsidized child care system to have the freedom to form a union and bargain collectively with the relevant state agencies. This would enable these child care workers to work together in setting the terms and conditions of their employment. </div> <bR> <div> The coalition that is advocating for this measure has put it forward as a way to help improve the provision of child care in the Commonwealth. If child care providers can work together and have a voice in their conditions of work, this would likely raise safety and health standards to protect children; expand training for child care providers to raise the quality of care; and reduce turnover and stabilize the child care profession so children get the consistent, quality care they need. Overall, this would improve parent's access to quality, affordable child care.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.yeson3forkids.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.yeson3forkids.org"><U><U>www.yeson3forkids.org</U></U></A></FONT> for more information and to see the ballot initiative language. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Legislator Email/Phone Contact Info</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">To Contact your Federal and State Legislators regarding issues of importance to public education</div> <div> click <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#CC3399" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.massteacher.org/advocating/adv_contact.cfm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.massteacher.org/advocating/ad"><U>here</U></A></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> It's easy.  Just click on "Visit the Legislative Action Center" and then on the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#3300FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Issues & Legislation</B></FONT> tab.</div> <div> Choose an issue of importance to you, enter your zip code, and you will be taken to a message window where you can send an email to your legislator.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Click <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.massteacher.org/advocating/images/legislation.pdf" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.massteacher.org/advocating/im"><U>HERE</U></A></FONT> to find frequent updates on the status of public education legislation.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> General Court website address where a webpage for each legislator can be found</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.mass.gov/legis/legis.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.mass.gov/legis/legis.htm"><U><U>http://www.mass.gov/legis/legis.htm</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Senate</B><B> & </B><B>House</B><B> </B><B>Leadership</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="599" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 75 ><NOBR><div> Robert E. Travaglini</div> <div> Senate President</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Robert.Travaglini@state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Robert.Travaglini@state.ma.us"><U>Robert.Travaglini@state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> 617-722-1500</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Salvatore F. DiMasi</div> <div> Speaker of the House</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Rep.SalvatoreDiMasi@hou.state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Rep.SalvatoreDiMasi@hou.state.ma."><U>Rep.SalvatoreDiMasi@hou.state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> 617-722-2500</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 75 ><NOBR><div> Therese Murray, Chair</div> <div> Senate Ways & Means Committee</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Therese.Murray@state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Therese.Murray@state.ma.us"><U>Therese.Murray@state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> 617-722-1330</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Robert A. DeLeo, Chair</div> <div> House Ways & Means Committee</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us"><U>Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> 617-722-2410</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Area Legislators</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="605" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 75 ><NOBR><div> Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Sen.StanRosenberg@senate.state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Sen.StanRosenberg@senate.state.ma"><U>Sen.StanRosenberg@senate.state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> State House Phone:  617-722-1532</div> <div> District Phone:  413-584-1649</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Representative John W. Scibak</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Rep.JohnScibak@hou.state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Rep.JohnScibak@hou.state.ma.us"><U>Rep.JohnScibak@hou.state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> State House Phone:  617-722-2220</div> <div> District Phone:  413-539-6566</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 56 ><NOBR><div> Representative Ellen Story</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Rep.EllenStory@hou.state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Rep.EllenStory@hou.state.ma.us"><U>Rep.EllenStory@hou.state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> State House Phone:  617-722-2575</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Representative Peter V. Kocot</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Rep.PeterKocot@hou.state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Rep.PeterKocot@hou.state.ma.us"><U>Rep.PeterKocot@hou.state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> State House Phone:  617-722-2210</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 75 ><NOBR><div> Representative Stephen Kulik</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Rep.StephenKulik@hou.state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Rep.StephenKulik@hou.state.ma.us"><U>Rep.StephenKulik@hou.state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> State House Phone:  617-722-2210</div> <div> District Phone:  413-665-7200</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Representative Christopher J. Donelan</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:Rep.ChristopherDonelan@hou.state.ma.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Rep.ChristopherDonelan@hou.state."><U>Rep.ChristopherDonelan@hou.state.ma.us</U></A></div> <div> State House Phone:  617-722-2230</div> <div> District Phone:  978-544-2180</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> For those of you who live in other areas, you can get contact info for your state representative and senator by visiting the link below and typing in your address and zip code:  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.wheredoivotema.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wheredoivotema.com"><U><U>www.wheredoivotema.com</U></U></A></FONT>.</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>