President Madeloni to host call-in forum on revenue campaign

How would your school use additional revenue?

Share your answer to that question with colleagues on Thursday, September 3, when MTA President Barbara Madeloni will hold her next Telephone Town Hall. The call-in forum will focus on the Raise Up Massachusetts revenue campaign, which is aimed at generating state funds specifically for public education and transportation.

“No more teachers paying out of pocket for necessary supplies. No more crumbling buildings, and no more eliminating arts and music programs.”
—MTA President
Barbara Madeloni

The MTA is part of a coalition of community activists, labor unions and faith groups seeking a change to the Massachusetts Constitution that would add four percentage points to the income tax rate for annual earnings over $1 million. The additional revenue would be specifically used for public schools, colleges and universities and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.

“Educators know too well that inadequate funding is damaging our schools and reducing opportunities for learning. If we are committed to the best for every student in Massachusetts, we need to end the myth of austerity, begin to fairly tax those with incomes over $1 million and fund our schools,” Madeloni said. “No more teachers paying out of pocket for necessary supplies. No more crumbling buildings, and no more eliminating arts and music programs.”

Madeloni said that members’ stories about what their schools and students deserve will be vital to the signature-gathering campaign, which is the first step in getting the revenue question on the statewide ballot.

“The Telephone Town Hall will be an opportunity for educators to begin the dialogue, first with their colleagues, about resources and revenue for schools. Eventually we’ll carry those stories out to the public at large,” she said.

The Telephone Town Hall will run from 7 to 8 p.m. To participate, the call-in number is 855.756.7520. When prompted, enter access code 29377#.