With a new administration taking office in Washington, Massachusetts will finally have a real federal partner in combating the many challenges we face. With vaccines being distributed, a clear pathway out of the COVID-19 crisis is visible. But even while an end to the pandemic is in sight, the virus continues to harm our students, our schools, and our communities. We cannot wait to start repairing the damage done by COVID-19, and by our government’s failures to adequately respond to this crisis. In 2021, we need our government at all levels - federal, state, and local - to take action and build a bridge to a better tomorrow.
The major issues we face - pandemic response, underfunded schools, childcare, hunger and housing insecurity, the climate crisis, and more - need a coordinated response from all levels of government. Our students need healthy food and safe learning environments at home, not evictions that force them onto the street. Our schools need COVID surveillance testing, not high-stakes MCAS testing that crams children back into unventilated classrooms. Our communities need action to combat the climate crisis and create green jobs. We need full funding in our schools and communities to provide relief for people’s immediate needs and start to repair the trauma of the past year.
As AFT Massachusetts members, you can help lift up these urgent needs to lawmakers at home, on Beacon Hill, and in Washington. Join us on social media on January 12th. Contact your local presidnt for additonal information.
Together, we can push our elected leaders to build a bridge to a better tomorrow. #GetSETMA