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Dear friends,
Vaccinations, school reopenings, and climate justice — these three issues are critical for a just recovery for our communities. As we reopen our schools and our economy, it is imperative for us to keep the long-term recovery of our communities at the forefront of our efforts.
In Texas, we are seeing the devastating consequences of deregulation and a failure to invest in basic infrastructure or to hold corporations accountable. We stand in solidarity with those in Texas who have been fighting for reforms over many years in an effort to stave off this kind of disaster. It underscores the need to continually ensure that the public good is being put at the forefront of policy decisions or the consequences can be dire. There are many opportunities to support the people in Texas struggling with this crisis including those listed within this article ([link removed]) .
Community Labor United is proud to have joined the newly-formed Mass Renews Alliance ([link removed]) (MARA) to promote an agenda that includes the recently filed Building Justice with Jobs Act and Food Justice with Jobs Act. MARA, part of the Renew New England Alliance ([link removed]) , is a coalition of more than 40 Massachusetts organizations that represent environmental justice, youth, labor, racial justice, and housing groups. This is the first time such a broad coalition has written legislation for Massachusetts, and the first time disability rights activists have been included in the drafting of environmental legislation.
Affordable housing is a key rung on the ladder to economic opportunity. Every family deserves access to a safe, clean, and healthy home, and healthy food. The investments advocated for by the coalition will help renew hope, improve neighborhoods, and strengthen local economies throughout Massachusetts. We are proud to be a part of this alliance. Watch the livestream from the launch here ([link removed]) .
Please help us spread the word by sharing our Facebook posts ([link removed]-) and following and retweeting us on Twitter ([link removed]-) . You can also receive regular updates from CLU by signing up on our website ([link removed]) .
Public Transit is a Public Good
Even amidst the mounting opposition to the MBTA cuts, the Baker/Polito administration and their Fiscal Management and Control Board slashed service. As these cuts take shape in the upcoming weeks, it is no secret that the cuts will harm communities of color and low-income communities that have continued to rely on public transit during this pandemic.
The Baker/Polito administration dealt further blows to public transit ([link removed]) and our communities by vetoing the low-income fare system, which would have provided MBTA access to those who need it the most. In a recent op-ed penned ([link removed]) by Katie Murphy and Karen Chen of the Public Transit Public Good coalition, they have highlighted the need for a federal stimulus fund to be used to reverse the cuts and prevent any further cuts.
Our coalition continues to urge Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov Polito to make the MBTA accessible, affordable and safe for all riders. Check out our website for a soon-to-be-launched call-in action to save the MBTA. ([link removed])
Mass Renews Alliance Advocacy Training
Mass Renews Alliance unveiled the Build Jobs and Justice Act (to retrofit 1 million homes) and the Food Justice: Farm Corp bills we’ll be fighting for this legislative session. Whether these two bills live or die in the State House depends in part on how many legislators we can get to cosponsor them. On Wednesday, February 24, Mass Renews Alliance is hosting advocacy training that will give you everything you need to talk to your representatives about co-sponsoring these bills. Click here to sign up ([link removed]) .
Massachusetts Nurses Association: Contact your Legislators in support of Baystate Home Health Nurses!
Home health nurses are on the frontlines all the time. They are out in our communities caring for people with complex medical needs, enabling patients to remain at home and stay safe. This is no time to try and take hard-earned pay and benefits away from our frontline workers. Join the Massachusetts Nurses Association and Jobs with Justice in asking legislators ([link removed]) to show their support for frontline caregivers at Baystate Home Health!
Tell the Baker administration to approve a plan to vaccinate Massachusetts educators and staff
Labor unions representing educators and school staff, firefighters, nurses and library workers have teamed up on a plan that would facilitate the rapid, efficient and local vaccination of school employees, starting with a pilot program in up to 20 communities with some of the highest transmission rates. Sign the petition ([link removed]) and urge Governor Charlie Baker, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders and Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel to take immediate action to make our schools safer for students, families and communities, along with Massachusetts educators.
Build A Life That Works: Tradeswomen Tuesday
Join Build A Life MA on March 2 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to learn about how you can obtain a career in the MA union building trades, hear from tradeswomen, and get info on opportunities. Click here to register ([link removed]) .
Thank you for reading and taking action!
In Solidarity,
Community Labor United
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