Boston Teachers Union celebrates Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision blocking harmful income tax cut ballot measure
Educators call for restoration of BPS teaching and support positions cut earlier this year
BOSTON — The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) welcomes today’s decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to block the proposed income tax cut ballot initiative from appearing on the November ballot, protecting billions of dollars that support public education and other essential services across the Commonwealth. The court ruled that the ballot measure could not proceed because its official summary was not fair.
The proposed measure would have reduced the state’s income tax rate from five percent to four percent, a change projected to slash more than $5 billion annually from the state budget once fully implemented, a move that would put schools, transportation, healthcare, and local communities at risk.
“This decision is a victory for every student, educator, and family who depends on strong public schools,” said BTU President Erik Berg. “At a time when Boston Public Schools are already facing painful staffing cuts, the last thing our students need is another self-inflicted budget crisis. Today’s ruling protects critical investments in our classrooms and allows us to focus on restoring the positions our schools have already lost and ensuring every child has access to the educators and support staff they deserve.”
Rather than pursuing policies that would force even deeper cuts, the BTU is calling on state and city leaders to reinvest in public education and restore the 400 positions recently eliminated from Boston Public Schools.
“Our students cannot thrive when classrooms are stretched thin,” said BTU Vice President Lea Serena. “We have talented educators ready to serve, and we have students whose needs continue to grow. This moment should be about rebuilding, not cutting. We urge policymakers to restore the teaching and support positions our schools desperately need so every student has the chance to succeed.”
The Boston Teachers Union reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for fully funded public schools and ensuring every student has access to proper resources and staffing.
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About the Boston Teachers Union
The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents, and education professionals throughout Boston.
We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people.
We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.