Any freeze on federal funding our schools rely on will likely have catastrophic impacts on our ability to provide a quality public education to all. The threat alone has already created further instability and uncertainty for our schools, our students, and their families. 

Programs across all levels of education will be impacted – from those that ensure homeless students have access to school to special education services to work-study programs for low-income college students. Beyond programming, there are grant-funded jobs on the line. These jobs in pre-k through higher education are critical for local working families – including AFT Massachusetts members – and will vanish when the funds do. 

We wholeheartedly condemn President Trump's agenda and the xenophobic and racist rhetoric being used to stoke fear and division throughout our nation.

As educators, we are focused on justice and equal opportunities for all students. We know firsthand that children cannot learn if they don't feel safe. These threats take an emotional, psychological, and physical toll on our children and their families. If continued, they will have a chilling effect on our schools and communities.

All children have a right to an education, no matter their immigration status. That right is protected by the U.S. Constitution and federal law prohibits anyone from attempting to restrict a child's access to that education. Educators across the state and nation are ready to stand up and defend the rights and safety of their students.

Governor Healey’s budget reinforces her Administration’s commitment to making a more equitable Commonwealth – one where all residents can access affordable housing, reliable transportation, healthcare, and high-quality public schools.

States are facing unprecedented cuts to federal investment and critical programming. President Trump’s talk of helping working families was clearly nothing more than campaign rhetoric. The rich will get richer over the next four years, further widening the equality gap plaguing our nation.

That makes it even more critical that we have a state budget and agenda that comprehensively reflects the vision we have for Massachusetts. This is a good first step in that work, but we can and should lead in the resistance to the Trump Administration’s dangerous, divisive agenda.

The Commonwealth’s ability to lead and thrive relies on a fully-funded, equitable, and high-quality public education system - from early childhood to post-secondary. We share Governor Healey’s vision of a Commonwealth where we continue to lead in quality education and healthcare while making homes more affordable and transportation more reliable and accessible.

If we are serious about having an economy that works for everyone and eradicating the systemic injustices of our society – we must start with our public schools. Educators and our classrooms open doors for economic opportunity and are critical spaces to foster inclusivity and tolerance. We applaud the Governor for her commitment to supporting behavioral and mental health as we strive to ensure all of our schools are safe and welcoming.

The accomplishments of the last few years – from increasing educator diversity efforts and pipelines into teaching to making community college free for all residents of Massachusetts to providing all children in the state’s public schools with free lunch - have been critical steps forward to ensuring equal opportunities for all students and their families.