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| Governor Baker signing the Student Opportunity Act |
He really signed it.
We no longer have a 26 year old education funding formula in Massachusetts. We have one that has been updated, and updated progressively.
It actually gives more money to kids who have more needs.
Do read Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz's epic Twitter thread of thanks from yesterday:
While this was not the theme of those speaking, yesterday, to me, spoke to there being some things on which we cannot compromise. We have unjust systems, including an unjust educational system. We cannot, we must not, concede on that. Nationally, too often we hear calls for civility and compromise which come at the cost of some people's humanity. Locally, too often we hear calls for equity and justice characterized as personal attacks. We cannot indulge in that or concede to that.So perfect that today's bill signing kicks off #Thanksgiving week, because my heart is brimming over with gratitude for folks who helped this generational reform come to pass. People I'm thankful for... #mapoli #StudentOpportunityAct pic.twitter.com/DZr7dFvVaS— Sonia Chang-Díaz (@SoniaChangDiaz) November 26, 2019
It was the absolute unflinching refusal to allow a half measure that got us yesterday.
MASBO's sponsorship of MassBudget's Cutting Class back in 2011 illustrated the problem was widespread, but the injustice was particular where we have a lot of kids who are poor. The collaboration across district lines--the understanding that while it is a struggle for many, it is very much worse some places--is what built a coalition that succeeded.
We recognized an injustice and we worked to right it.
Our state constitution describes an educational system that prepares "the different orders of the people"in "the various parts of the country" with "wisdom, knowledge, as well as virtue" to continue and further our democratic (small d) governance.
Education is necessary to preserve our rights and liberties.
Yesterday, we made another step in that preservation.
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