2023 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Every day, MCAN works to change the systems and structures around us so that our lives are more full, happy, and equitable. We believe in a world where all of our needs can be met and that rest and joy should be a given. To achieve this, we must work with allies, business leaders and legislators to create or amend the rules that impact us daily.

We have a deep legislative history which includes

  • leading a campaign to enable 435,000 low to moderate income salaried workers to get overtime pay

  • co-leading the Workforce Solution Group’s campaigns for state funding for job training

  • coordinating a coalition that does annual work to gain increases in the state budget for youth jobs, job training, youth trauma prevention programs, and reentry programs

Today there remain deep-seated needs such as housing access and sustainability, the systematic creation of peace officers, as well as dignified work with dignified wages. As we explore those areas further, you can learn about our current legislative priorities below.

There is always more to be done and when you stand for everything, you likely stand for nothing.

For 2023, this is what MCAN is standing for. We hope you’ll join us.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION LOTTERY

Getting into a public school should never feel like applying to Harvard. Our current application system disproportionately impacts Students of Color, English Language Learners, Students with Disabilities, and Low Income students by making it harder to get in. Let’s make access equal by implementing a universal lottery system.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BILL HD 3617 / SD 2312
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION JUSTICE COALITION

WAGE EQUITY

We are constantly tackling equity on all fronts. Transparency, unsurprisingly, is one of the most powerful ways to move us in the right direction. When we share salary ranges and the current data for how wages are being allocated, we have a chance at moving in the right direction - particularly for women and people of color. We need transparency now.

The Wage Equity Now Coalition is asking advocates to contact Legislators to co-sponsor both wage transparency bills and urge combining these bills in committee. The predecessor bills were merged in committee in the last session. We believe the combined package constitutes a major step advancing equity and opportunity.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOLLOWING BILLS
HD 2814 An Act Relative to Salary Range Transparency, lead sponsor; Rep. Cutler and HD 4039, An Act Relative to Transparency in the Workplace lead sponsors: Rep Barber and Rogers

SD 1521 An Act Relative to Salary Range Transparency, lead sponsor: Sen. Jehlen and SD 2331 An Act Relative to Transparency in the Workplace, lead sponsors: Sen Feeney and Miranda

FAIR SHARE AMENDMENT PROTECTION

It took over six years to finally win the much needed resources from the Fair Share Amendment. Our schools are in need. Our infrastructure is desperate for an overhaul. The time to ensure that this work doesn’t get undone is now. We need these bills to protect FSA funding for the future.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FSA PROTECTION 62F and Stabilization Fund HD2236 / SD1166
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FSA PROTECTION Married Couples Filing HD2310 / SD1167
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK TO WIN THE FAIR SHARE AMENDMENT

YOUTH PRIORITY LIST

Our youth are our future. We need to protect and encourage them. This includes ensuring their educational environments are supportive and loving, providing access to jobs that prepare them for adulthood, and ensuring that their mistakes don’t plague them for their entire lives. Our youth must matter now. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ISSUES OF CONCERN AND ADVOCACY OF OUR YOUTH LEADERS

BANNER IMAGES of MCAN Affiliates working on legislative issues (left to right): Prophetic Resistance Boston organizers and leader meet with Rep. Chyna Tyler; I Have A Future holds its annual Youth Justice Rally on the steps of the State House; Essex County Community Organization prepares to canvass voters on ballot questions