New Revenues Are the Only Way to Stop the Budget Cuts Cycle by Paul Toner

We are facing yet another huge state budget deficit in the coming year and more cuts to local aid. The situation on Beacon Hill is putting heavy pressure on cities and towns to reduce staffing levels, eliminate important school programs and other local services, cut higher education funding – again – and demand give-backs at the bargaining table. These cuts are taking a toll on our communities, our students and our members.

There is a better way.

An Act to Invest in Our Communities, sponsored by Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (D-Boston) and Representative Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston), will restore fiscal sanity by raising income tax revenues in a fair way to maintain the services we need to keep our towns and cities strong. The bill will require more from the wealthiest taxpayers – the ones who are still doing very well despite the economic meltdown we’ve experienced.

The MTA is a leading member of the Campaign for Our Communities, a coalition of labor, civic and religious organizations working for a balanced solution to the endless budget battles, overrides, layoff notices and cuts in services.

For more information, please visit and “like” the Campaign’s great new website, www.ourcommunities.org. You can also find information at www.massteacher.org/revenue.

Thank you, and have a great summer.

Paul Toner

MTA President