Dear allies,

Massachusetts must act now to provide relief for communities in need. In the midst of this pandemic, it is crucial to come together and advocate for meaningful change.

Together, we can drive policymakers to allocate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to critical initiatives like child care and public transit. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight will be hosting a hearing on September 21 at 11:00 a.m. focusing on health care, public health, human services, and more. Join us to demand that these essential funds be used to help our communities recover.

Below you will find opportunities to engage and continue the fight on many issues that affect our communities. Please spread the word by sharing our Facebook posts as well as following and retweeting us on Twitter. You can sign up to receive regular updates from CLU.

Frontline First: For Opportunity, Equity, and Safety
On Labor Day, we took a stand for workers’ rights across Massachusetts. Thank you to those who joined the rally and BBQ to support frontline workers and to build back better. 

Top: Attendees at the Marriott Copley rally. 
Left: Steve Tolman, President, MA AFL-CIO speaks at the Marriott Copley rally. 
Right: Darlene Lombos, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of Greater Boston Labor Council, throws the first pitch at the Red Sox.

BERDO: Environmental Advocates to Deliver Petition Signatures to Boston City Council
On Monday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m., environmental justice advocates will gather at the Boston City Hall to deliver signed petitions calling for the passing and reinforcement of Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO).

Boston must significantly reduce its carbon emissions by 2030 to avoid the worst effects of climate change such as storms, flooding, and warming temperatures. Fewer than 3% of Boston buildings are currently responsible for over half of all citywide emissions. Updating the ordinance will redirect funds into investing in the community, creating reliable jobs and reducing impacts of climate change from the largest and dirtiest buildings in the city. Sign the petition today to call for this necessary community investment. 

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SIGN NOW: Tell Governor Charlie Baker, Lt Governor Polito, and Environmental Secretary Katie Theohorides to act on energy justice today! 
Environmental justice should be equitable and accessible. Existing state programs like Mass Save are exclusionary toward many of the businesses and residents that truly need them. A recent Letter to the Editor by our partner, Paulina Casasola, Clean Water Action, speaks to the importance of equity in implementing programs like Mass Save. Read her LTE here. 

Sign the petition to urge Governor Charlie Baker, Lt Governor Polito, and Environmental Secretary Katie Theohorides to reject any plan that doesn’t center the needs of environmental justice and low-income communities. Help us fight to increase access and remove barriers for underserved and language isolated communities across the state.

Put the Frontline First: Invest American Rescue Plan Funding in a State Child Tax Credit
Parents can’t get back to work without child care. Until we establish universal child care, Massachusetts must use every resource available to keep families moving forward. Care That Works is calling for a $700 million state Child Tax Credit. The coalition recommends $600 for each child ages 0-12, for families earning up to $200,000 (one filer) or $400,000 (two filers). The funds from the American Rescue Plan present the perfect opportunity to aid working families during this critical time. 

Visit the Care That Works website to read how ARP funds can help create a sustainable and equitable child care system.

Save the Date: Mental Health Lunch & Learn Series 
Brookview House will be hosting an event on September 29 at noon as part of the Mental Health Lunch & Learn Series. The topic of this upcoming session is “Enhancing & Promoting Resiliency in the Black & Brown Workforce During the Pandemic.” We are joining as a co-sponsor of the event along with the Massachusetts Women of Color Network. We welcome you to join the conversation & help us spread the word! Learn more and register at BrookviewHouse.org. 
 

Thank you for reading and taking action!

In Solidarity,
Community Labor United