Two months ago, the state Senate set historic precedent by unanimously passing the Foundation Budget Modernization Bill, which would greatly improve the school funding formula and help #FundOurSchools for every child across Massachusetts. Republicans and Democrats alike came together to say that if our constitution claims we as a Commonwealth cherish public education then we must also fairly, equitably and fully fund all our public schools.

Instead of passing this consensus bill, the state House of Representatives plans to leave out the two most important racial and economic justice provisions addressing funding for English language learners and low-income students.

Why is the Legislature comfortable leaving these kids to fight for crumbs for another year? How can the Legislature ask English language learners and low-income students to stand at the back of the line any longer? We are demanding the Legislature step up and commit itself to racial and economic justice. If the Legislature wants to update the Foundation Budget, then they need to do the real thing. Not just the parts that will benefit the already well-off, white and well-funded districts.

We have 24 hours to mobilize and demand justice for students of color, English language learners, and low-income students. We need you to call your representatives TOMORROW, demand that they support and co-sponsor Representative Vega's amendment to H.4730, and to only vote on a Foundation Budget fix that includes ELL and low-income students.

Join us Thursday at 1PM to demand the Legislature listen to the consensus of its members and the consensus of the people. Pass an equitable school funding bill and implement it now!

Call-in Script

Hi my name is [INSERT NAME] and I am calling to ask Representative [INSERT REPRESENTATIVES NAME] to support Representative Vega's amendment to H.4730 including recommendations from the FBRC on low-income and ELL students.

Any school funding bill that does not include every recommendation of the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) is not modernization, and fails to address the urgent and dire problems ELL and low-income students face.

My district school [INSERT DISTRICT SCHOOL] is in dire need of equitable funding in order to build the schools our community deserves. House leaders have decided Black and Brown students are not worth investing in by leaving out the two most important racial justice fixes for school funding. They are deciding to leave some students behind.

I hope you will listen to constituents like myself and will support Rep. Vega's amendment to the Foundation Budget bill (H.4730) to include recommendations from the FBRC on low-income and ELL students.