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GOVERNOR BAKER PROPOSES
FLAT FUNDING FOR ADULT EDUCATION
The Governor's proposal, if it became law, would stall the progress that has been made in restoring ABE funding in recent years to levels that match the need. N
early 20,000 adults continue to languish on state waiting lists, due in part to a roughly 24 percent decline in state appropriations from 2001-2019, after adjusting for inflation.
MCAE BUDGET REQUEST
- Serve more adults, moving hundreds who want and need to learn off waiting lists and into programs;
- Reach underserved communities, increasing the likelihood that learners are able enroll in programs near where they live or work;
- Attract and retain professional staff by improving compensation and working conditions to reduce costly and de-stabilizing turnover.
IT'S TIME TO CALL YOUR
LEGISLATIVE LEADERS
The next step in the state budget process is for 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 $46.05 million appropriation for ABE (Line Item #7035-0002) one of their top three priorities on the 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.
- Tell them that Governor Baker's budget plan will stall the progress made in recent years, and that Massachusetts can - and should - go even further.
- 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!
PARTNER WITH MCAE
FOR LEGISLATOR VISITS
Are you hosting legislators at your program? Interested in visiting your representatives at the State House but not sure where to start? Let MCAE help you make the budget request! Contact MCAE Director Rachel Gwaltney at [email protected] to help you include the ABE budget request in your advocacy outreach.
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!
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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NEXT MCAE PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
March 20, 2020
10 a.m. to 12 noon
English for New Bostonians
105 Chauncy St -
4th floor
Boston, MA
For those unable to attend in person, this month's meeting
is accessible via
conference call.
Please contact Rachel Gwaltney at rgwaltney@mcae
.net to RSVP and to obtain the necessary call-in information.
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