Dear Members,

Like many of you, I am deeply frustrated by the ongoing delay in funding our contract. Your Executive Board shares these frustrations, and we’ve been working persistently from multiple angles to push this through. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: it is ridiculous that we have to beg for the raises we’ve already negotiated and rightfully earned. There is no reasonable justification for these repeated delays—especially when the funding has already been allocated for this exact purpose.

Based on the latest updates from our contacts downtown, we understand that the Senate is expected to pass the budget before the end of the fiscal year, now just a few weeks away. Once that happens, state agencies are reportedly ready to release the funds without further delay.

In the meantime, here’s what we’re doing to maintain pressure in the short term:

• We’ve launched a letter-writing campaign through the Action Network. You can send a pre-written message or customize it to your needs. If the budget isn’t passed by July 1, we’re prepared to escalate our efforts at the State House.
• The Council of Presidents and their Executive Director have been advocating directly with legislators to move this forward.
• MTA’s lobbying team continues to press lawmakers to pass the budget and release the funding.

On the long-term front:

• MTA is also pursuing lasting change through proposed legislation—H.2820/S.1364—which would require that future contract increases be funded and paid within 30 days of ratification.

We’re always open to new ideas and welcome your thoughts, suggestions, or strategies. You can reach me anytime at president@maapa.org.

Thank you, once again, for raising your voices. The more we speak out together, the harder it becomes for them to ignore us.

In solidarity,
Rosa