DRIVE Act

Massachusetts Fights for Public Higher Education

The Problem

“HE — MTA members protesting the Trump administration at a National Higher Ed Day of Action.

The Trump administration is sowing chaos in our state’s public higher education system by freezing and canceling federal funding that supports research and other academic pursuits and programs such as TRIO Student Support Services. The federal administration is using false claims of racial bias and prejudice to end its support of public higher education. Hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake for public colleges and universities.

The Solution

Governor Maura Healey’s proposed DRIVE Act makes Massachusetts the first state in the nation to address the Trump administration’s politically motivated attacks on higher education. DRIVE (H.4375 An Act to preserve and advance Massachusetts’ competitiveness in discovery, research, and innovation for a vibrant economy) is a $400 million investment, which includes $200 million from Fair Share Amendment funds specifically earmarked to backfill federal cuts made to public colleges and universities. The funding to public higher education must extend beyond research cuts to also include other jeopardized academic programs and student support services. To further insulate public higher education from attacks coming from the federal government, Massachusetts needs a long-term funding strategy to increase state investment in public colleges and universities. The Legislature and Healey administration can use funds raised by Fair Share to further protect students, faculty and staff at public colleges and universities.

Download Talking Points

Why Fight

Access to high-quality higher education drives economic and social mobility, making it a crucial tool for reducing systemic inequality rooted in racism. The state’s economy also relies on having a highly educated workforce. Since the state created free access to community colleges and other financial assistance programs, enrollment is up in all sectors of public higher education, including more students of color and students older than 25. Many are pursuing degrees and training in STEM fields and other areas linked to the needs of employers. About 78 percent of the students graduating from public colleges and universities stay in Massachusetts, to the benefit of our communities across the state.

Get Involved

JOIN US ONLINE FOR ORGANIZING MEETINGS

Join bi-weekly online meetings with fellow public higher education staff, faculty and students from across the state to strategize, plan and coordinate how we can hold our state and campuses accountable for protecting public higher education during these turbulent times. Meetings are held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings.

Support the DRIVE Act

Please support our efforts to pass the DRIVE Act, which will preserve and advance the state’s competitiveness in discovery, research and innovation. This is a $400 million investment, which includes $200 million from Fair Share Amendment funds specifically earmarked to backfill federal cuts made to public colleges and universities. Funding must also include other jeopardized academic programs and student support services.

Read about the DRIVE Act Download Talking Points

Call on your elected leaders to support public higher ed

MTA members are organizing to pass resolutions in support of the DRIVE Act. So far, city councils and select boards have passed resolutions in six communities including Haverhill, Lowell, Salem, South Hadley, Easthampton and Wilbraham. Join the effort to get a resolution passed in city or town.

Email grassroots@massteacher.org to get involved.

Learn more about the first resolutions signed by municipal boards.