Advocate for UMass at the State House - March 21
This semester, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to dramatically increase the funding UMass receives from the state. We need all faculty and librarians to join us in Boston on March 21 to make it happen. Sign up here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/faculty-staff-lunch-and-lobby-higher-ed-advocacy-day-umass-amherst-registration/
The Cherish Act would increase state allocations to public higher education by as much as $500 million per year. This is our chance to accomplish what we have been advocating for many years: hiring more full-time faculty and librarians, and paying the salaries necessary to recruit and retain an outstanding and diverse workforce. At the same time, the bill will relieve the burden of student debt and make college more affordable.
Please sign up now to come to advocate for UMass at the State House on March 21. We are providing free transportation and free lunch in Boston. We will meet with our own state senator, Jo Comerford, who is taking the lead on the Cherish Act as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, as well as Representatives Mindy Domb, Aaron Vega, and others in leadership positions in the legislature.
MSP members will have a chance to tell our stories, to explain what proper funding would mean for our students and for the work we do. We will have a press conference, and we will bring beautiful framed photos of faculty and librarians at work, to illustrate the diverse skills and commitment we bring to UMass. We will provide a brief advocacy training, and then everyone will have a chance to talk with legislators. Faculty and librarians will join with students and staff to eat lunch, debrief, and talk about next steps.