Dear MSP members:

We need you on May 5^th .

We have a unique chance to increase state revenue in a significant way.  The Act to Invest in Our Communities is under consideration right now in the state legislature.  It would restore the income tax rate to its previous level, and raise the rate on dividends and interest, while adding exemptions for lower-income families.  It effectively makes our “flat tax” much more progressive.

By raising $1.2 billion, this bill would allow the legislature to increase its support for UMass, as well as vital state services and K-12 education.  It would also make it much easier to negotiate a good contract when we begin bargaining in January.

On Thursday, May 5^th, at 10:30 a.m. at the State House in Boston, the legislature’s Revenue Committee will hold a hearing on this bill.  Together with our allies, we need to turn out hundreds of people to show strong support for increasing state revenues.  If the legislators on that committee are overwhelmed by people taking the time out of our busy lives to show up for this important issue, then we have a chance to pass this bill. 

We need you there!  Without our voices, legislators do not want to take the risk of “raising taxes.”  We don’t need more rounds of cuts to education and services; we need a fairer and more progressive tax system in Massachusetts.

Buses leave at 7:30 a.m. on May 5^th from Haigis Mall, and we will return by 4:00 pm.   Please invite your students – you can have your study sessions on the bus, lobby your legislators, and make a difference.

Email revenuebus@gmail.com   to let us know that you will definitely be on the bus.  We need firm commitments so we can pay for the buses and lunches for everyone.  

See you there!  

P.S.  On April 5^th, UMass had the largest teach-in in the nation!  You can see videos of the speakers, and copies of the handouts and presentations, at www.umasswtf.com/wordpress -- please share the link with your students.  After learning about growing inequality in the United States, the attacks on workers’ rights, the budget “crisis” and what it means for the future of public universities, many people asked what they could do to fight back.  Here’s one answer:  get on the bus to Boston on Thursday, May 5^th .