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Dear allies,
As we continue recovery efforts from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure that we’re providing the necessary infrastructure for our communities to thrive and build a sustainable future. Now is the time to call on elected leaders to take action and fund the public good – for our families, our workers, and our communities. The opportunities American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds can create are endless and they start with funding child care, housing, and public transit.
With recent victories, such as the signing of BERDO 2.0, we applaud elected officials who are dedicated to aiding our communities but we can not stop there. MA’s legislature can and needs to take the necessary steps to deliver equitable resources for the public good. This includes $350 million in ARPA funds to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Commonwealth’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) and a $700 million state Child Tax Credit to establish a universal child care system for children aged 0-12 and women of color.
Together, we must demand that federal funds, including ARPA and potentially forthcoming funds from the Infrastructure Bill, are directed to these necessary initiatives to equip our communities with the support they deserve and that is long overdue. Below you will find opportunities to engage and continue the fight on many issues that affect our communities and allies. 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.
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NEU4J Office Move Fundraiser
After growing their team and introducing new wellness initiatives, our partners at NEU4J are relocating to a larger office space in Dorchester, MA. We are proud supporters of their efforts in child care, housing, civic engagement, worker organizing, leadership development, and more.
As a result, their move incurred unanticipated expenses such as wiring and equipment relocation. NEU4J has launched a fundraising campaign to support their transition to this new space. To learn more or to make a donation, visit https://neu4jfundraiser.org.
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Statement on the new MBTA Board
The Public Transit Public Good coalition issued the following statement about the recently appointed MBTA board.
“The Public Transit Public Good coalition recognizes the appointment of the many highly-qualified individuals to the MBTA board. Our coalition of riders and workers is committed to improving the state’s public transit, and we look forward to working with the new board as advocates for a public transit agenda that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, safety, and quality union jobs to help advance the public good.”
— Public Transit Public Good Coalition
To read the full release, visit Public Transit Public Good.
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Virtual Legislative Call-in Party
On Thursday, October 7, Public Transit Public Good hosted a virtual call-in party to demand that legislators fund a fair and equitable transit system for low-income riders. Thank you to all our coalition partners who made calls to MA legislators to talk about the coalition’s current legislative priorities, including the use of progressive revenue and ARPA funds to ensure transit affordability.
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BERDO 2.0 Victory
Acting Mayor Kim Janey recently signed BERDO 2.0. The bill, which was unanimously approved by Boston’s city council earlier this month, will establish crucial emissions guidelines for the city’s buildings. Congratulations to all who contributed to this significant victory. It’s time that Boston takes responsibility in reducing emissions from its buildings and businesses.
For more about this landmark approval, visit BostonGlobe.com.
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Rally Against Uber & Big Tech Bill
On Wednesday, October 6, The Coalition to Protect Workers’ Rights hosted a rally ahead of a public hearing on HB1234, a bill that grants “gig economy” companies special exemptions from paying taxes and from following our state labor, insurance, consumer protection, and civil rights laws.
Thank you to those who joined the rally in solidarity with workers against the Big Tech bill and companion ballot question. To learn more, read from the Lowell Sun or the Boston Herald.
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City of Chelsea Awarded $824,000 in State Grants
The City of Chelsea has received a $200,000 grant through the Department of Energy Resources Green Communities grant program and a two-year $624,000 grant through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). These two grants were awarded to reduce energy consumption and costs through the implementation of clean energy technologies and to support the development of climate change resilience projects in the City of Chelsea.
To read the full release, visit Green Justice Coalition.
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Thank you for reading and taking action!
In Solidarity,
Community Labor United
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