Public Policy Updates: State's economic future debated at consensus revenue hearing

Each year before proposing and agreeing upon a budget, the two chambers of the Legislature and the Governor's office agree on the amount of money they will plan to spend that coming year. To begin this process for fiscal year 2021, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means together with the Office of Administration and Finance held a consensus revenue hearing, at which they heard invited testimony regarding the current and next fiscal year's outlook for the Massachusetts economy and the revenue it will bring to the state.

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Legislative Bulletin - S.2412 Education Reform Conference Committee Report

The legislature has sent to the governor’s desk the bill addressing changes to Chapter 70, the Foundation Budget revisions, and accountability measures incorporated in what the House and Senate approved. The bill, as forwarded, is subject to possible veto or request by the governor for additional changes. MASC General Counsel Stephen Finnegan has released a new Legislative Bulletin containing an overview and analysis of the revisions as well as the original bill, and the impact on Massachusetts school districts. A more formal update will be sent as developments occur.

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Report on the 2019 Delegate Assembly

The following is a report on actions taken on the resolutions that were considered by the Delegate Assembly at the annual meeting in Hyannis on November 8.

There were 107 districts represented at the Assembly.

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Public Policy Updates: October Board of Ed

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 29 at the Department in Malden. The agenda is online here; the video of the meeting is also available. 
Public comment included a call for students to be challenged at the level at which they need challenge.

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Public Policy Updates: The House deliberates and passes the Student Opportunity Act

On Wednesday, October 23, the House deliberated and passed the Student Opportunity Act on a unanimous 155-0 vote after eight hours of deliberation and recesses. The session can be viewed online here. The bill and the record of votes cast can be found here. 

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School Committee assistance sought in promoting healthy relationships public awareness campaign

Led by Lt. Governor Karen Polito, the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence—in partnership with the Office of Health and Human Services—has recommended increased support for awareness and prevention efforts to help reduce the number of individuals who experience sexual and domestic violence in their lives. This initiative includes the launch of “RESPECTfully” a public awareness and prevention campaign that promotes healthy relationships (friendships and intimate partner relationships) for MA youth aged 12-18.

To share the key message the everyone deserves respect, honesty, and open communication, RESPECTfully uses short, animated videos that illustrate problematic behaviors, provide a resolution and include a call to action to treat everyone RESPECTfully. The videos will be share on social media platforms and additional ads will be placed in major public transportation areas and convenience stores across the state.

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