Testimony for MTA Sponsored Legislation

One of MTA’s priority bills, S. 308, An Act strengthening and investing in our educators, students and communities, is scheduled to be heard by the Joint Committee on Education in Gardner Auditorium at the State House at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12. In addition to lining up panels to deliver verbal testimony at the hearing, we are trying to amass a large number of written statements in favor of the bill from across the state.  Consider submitting testimony – details for what to do are below and it can be as simple or complex as you have time for.  Go here for a fact sheet on the bill.

The testimony should express support for the bill as a whole and then focus on specific provisions that are of particular concern to you and your local. There is a wide array of issues to pick from, including funding, testing, evaluations, the loss of bargaining rights in Level 4/5 schools, requiring the state to fund wraparound services for students in high-poverty schools before taking them over, supporting “just cause” as the dismissal standard, and supporting at least a half hour of recess for young students.

Testimony doesn’t have to be elaborate or long. Just describe how these policies affect your members and students. If you have any compelling anecdotes, by all means include them. The more heartfelt they are, the better.

For those submitting testimony:

• Identify yourself and your role (e.g., as a teacher and/or as an association leader).
• Include your home address. We will make sure a copy of your testimony goes to your representative and senator as well as to Education Committee members.
• Identify in the title or opening sentence that you are writing in support of S. 308.
• Please e-mail testimony by Friday, Sept. 8, to Anthony Moreschi in the MTA Government Relations Division at amoreschi@massteacher.org. We will correct any typographical errors and then print out copies of the testimony to be delivered to committee members.

If you are interested in seeing the bill itself or getting more information about S. 308 or other MTA priority bills, go here. If you have any questions, please contact Anthony at 617.878.8701.