Statewide Victories

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5, 2025, was a major win for unions and public employees. The law repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, allowing MTA members and other public employees to reclaim Social Security benefits they had previously lost.

MTA members helped lead the fight to pass Question 2 – a ballot question to eliminate the MCAS graduation requirement – a key step in ending high-stakes testing that narrows learning and limits opportunities. This victory puts educators back in the driver’s seat, allowing assessments to support instruction – not define it – and ensures students have access to a richer, more meaningful education. This fight continues as the implementation at the state level is underway.

Massachusetts voters approved the Fair Share Amendment, creating a 4% surcharge on incomes over $1 million to fund education, transportation, and public services. Since its introduction in FY24, $6.4 billion in tax revenue has been designated for transportation and public education. In more specific terms, the state Legislature has appropriated $2.58 billion for transportation and $3.85 billion for public education as a result of the Fair Share Amendment.

Massachusetts made history when voters overwhelmingly defeated a ballot measure to raise the cap on charter schools. Question 2, the most expensive charter initiative in the country, was defeated thanks to the tireless advocacy of educators, unions, and community supporters who opposed the privatization of public schools.