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 Alert #3: FY2020          
6/17/2020



ALERT SUMMARY:

1.  PURVIEW:  State

2.  LEVEL OF MOBILIZATION:  staff, students, volunteers, friends, colleagues

3. TIMELINE: Immediate

MCAE PIVOTS TO REQUEST
LEVEL FUNDING FOR ADULT EDUCATION
  
The COVID-19 crisis has hit Massachusetts hard, and state lawmakers are still deep in the process of closing out FY20 with lower than anticipated revenue, and have delayed the budget process for FY21 into the summer. 



MCAE BUDGET REQUEST
  
Recognizing that state lawmakers will have tough decisions to make this summer, MCAE has revised our budget ask and is calling upon the Massachusetts legislature to maintain appropriations for adult basic education at $41.05 million for FY 2021, level funding from FY20. Maintaining funding at this level would allow Massachusetts to sustain the capacity of its ABE system and to:
  • Continue preparing adults for self-sufficiency, ensuring they have the literacy and numeracy skills for job training and continued education;
  • Focus on underserved communities, increasing the likelihood that learners are able to enroll in programs near where they live or work;
  • Attract and retain professional staff by improving compensation and working conditions, and providing professional development to reduce costly and de-stabilizing turnover. 


  
IT'S TIME TO CALL YOUR
LEGISLATIVE LEADERS  

In late January, Governor Charlie Baker released his recommendations for Massachusetts' FY 2021 budget, proposing that the Commonwealth spend $40.6 million on adult basic education in the coming year.

The next step in the state budget process is for the House to release its budget bill. P lease take a few minutes today to contact your elected officials in support of the MCAE ABE request:  
  • Ask them to make a $41.05 million appropriation for ABE (Line Item #7035-0002) one of their top three priorities on any revised budget "wish lists" they submit to legislative leadership for FY 2021.
    • Remind them that an investment in ABE is an investment in Massachusetts, in its people, and in its future economic success. A ready workforce means a faster economic recovery.
    • Share with them the impact that additional resources would have in your program, in your classroom, and in the lives of their constituents.
  • You may only be able to reach an aide to your representative or senator, but you should still make your request to them, as they serve as your legislator's "eyes and ears".
  • Finally, share this email and this request with your colleagues, members of your Boards of Directors, local organizational partners, and other friends of adult education and ask them to call too!
  BUDGET RESOURCES
 
MCAE has prepared a few resources to help you understand the state budget process and to help our elected officials understand the basics of ABE.  Please share these items with anyone you think might be interested!
Not sure how to get started? Let MCAE help you make the budget request! Contact MCAE Director Rachel Gwaltney at [email protected] if you need help with your ABE budget request and advocacy.

THANK YOU!
 
T he gains we've realized for adult education in recent years have happened only because you have made our voices heard - clearly, consistently, and convincingly! Thank you for helping us to continue to move forward in FY 2021. Every call, every email, every visit, every contact you made with your legislators throughout the year -- not just at budget time -- made all the difference.  We know how busy you are and appreciate the time you put aside to support adult basic education. 
 
Together, the MCAE community has been a powerful force for adult education and will continue to be with your help. Thank you! 
      



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