Jonathan Cohn, the policy director at Progressive Mass, a grassroots activism organization, felt Healey had not been “as direct in her policy proposals” as he would have liked. In a Nov. 14 email to the Justice, he elaborated that he was hopeful about the Healey/Driscoll team, and said they care far more about “climate action, reproductive rights, public schools, and public transit than [Governor] Baker does.” Cohn said Baker “tends to get a pass” for right-wing beliefs due to a “boring congeniality” and that he “enables the worst instincts” of the Massachusetts legislature, saying they can “always use the real or imagined threat of a veto as an excuse for inaction.” Cohn hopes that with Healey as Governor, the Legislature will embrace new opportunities to deliver on Democratic priorities. For instance, Cohn said that his organization plans to push for more ambitious legislation to counteract the “inertia” of inaction in the Legislature.
On Tuesday, Massachusetts voters made history. We made history.
By voting YES on 1 and passing the Fair Share Amendment, Massachusetts voters said YES to a more equitable tax code and to transformative investments in our public schools and infrastructure.
This victory was years, decades, in the making. Since voters put a flat tax into the state constitution in 1915, Massachusetts has suffered from a regressive tax code, hamstringing our ability to deliver on a goal on shared prosperity despite great resources. Five times, activists tried to change that, but each time, facing moneyed opposition, misinformation, and anti-tax sentiment, they lost.
But this time, we—the people—won. The millionaires and billionaires of the state will chip in more so that every student can get a high-quality public education, so that our public colleges and universities can get proper funding, so that our roads and bridges can be safe to drive on, and so that our public transit systems can move us around the commonwealth more quickly.
And that win would never have happened without the countless hours of work from members of the Raise Up Mass Coalition, which we have been proud to be a part of. Your hours of signature collection, pledge card collection, phone calling, canvassing, educating friends and neighbors, holding events. It is that work that is the lifeblood of democracy.
By voting YES on 4 and upholding the Work & Family Mobility Act, we cemented our status as the 17th state to ensure that all qualified drivers, regardless of immigration status, can obtain a driver’s license, making our roads safer, expanding economic opportunity, recognizing that mobility is a basic right, and treating our immigrant communities with the dignity they deserve.
That victory, both legislative and ballot, was the result of the Driving Families Forward coalition, which we were proud to be a part of. And it, again, required the work of outreach, of organizing, and of pushing back against misinformation.
Both wins show the power of organizing across the Commonwealth in ways that bring community groups into coalition with labor and in ways that listen to the voices and needs of the most impacted.
So, THANK YOU for what you’ve done in making those victories possible.
But also THANK YOU for the work you will continue to do. Progressive Mass was founded almost ten years ago out of a recognition that this work needs to continue after the election is over. That period in between cycles is when we preserve and grow the power that we build, where we foster communities of organizers, where we educate our neighbors about what is possible.
The anticipatory goodwill has its limits. Jonathan Cohn, the policy director of Progressive Massachusetts, acknowledges that Healey will be (from his vantage point) better than Baker on a number of issues, from abortion rights to the environment to driver’s licenses for unauthorized immigrants. Yet Healey’s unwillingness, on the campaign trail, to speak frankly about where she parts ways with Baker left him perplexed.
“I have found it kind of strange that she doesn’t even go for low-hanging fruit when trying to describe how she would be different than Charlie Baker,” Cohn said.
It’s finally Election Day!!! This year’s ballot questions have the possibility to greatly impact the safety and equity of life in Massachusetts.
Whether that impact will be positive or negative is up to your YES votes.
Below is an explanation of why we have endorsed YES on Questions 1, 2, and 4 (and for those select districts, 5 and 6). Please share these resources with your family, friends and neighbors and help us promote progressive policy.
YES ON 1: Fair Share Amendment
The Fair Share Amendment – Question 1 on the November ballot – will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. Question 1 would create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and constitutionally dedicate the funds to be spent on transportation and public education. Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will be impacted; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, roads, bridges, and public transportation.
We know that there are lots of questions about how the tax will be implemented and spent. The Fair Share FAQ website has factual, easy to understand answers, including in the extremely rare instances where it will apply to the sale of houses and businesses.
YES on 2: Better Dental Care
In Massachusetts, we have a law that requires medical insurance plans to spend at least 88% of all premiums on health care or efforts to improve the quality of health care delivery. However, no such requirement exists for dental insurance. If Question 2 passes, a minimum of 83% of your premium would have to be spent on care, rather than profit, and strengthen financial transparency of dental insurance companies.
To learn how a Yes vote on Question 2 will require more patient dollars to be spent on patient care check out the Yes on 2 website FAQ.
YES on 4: Safer Roads
A YES on 4 would uphold the Work & Family Mobility Act, a bill passed by 75% of the MA Legislature that would allow qualified drivers – regardless of immigration status – to pass a road test, buy insurance, obtain a license and legally drive in Massachusetts. By voting YES ON 4, Massachusetts voters will ensure that immigrants without status can legally make essential trips, like dropping off kids at school and getting to work, while promoting road safety for all of us.
Learn more about the positive impact similar legislation has made in other states and why it should stay law by visiting the Safer Roads MA FAQ site.
Wait, Is There a Q5 or a Q6, too?
In select state representative districts, there are non-binding advisory questions as well, and if you see them on your ballot, we recommend voting YES on these questions also:
YES on 5, which would instruct the district’s state representative to support legislation to create a single payer health care system in Massachusetts so that we finally treat health care as a right, not a privilege.
YES on 6, which would instruct the district’s state representative to support a change to the MA House’s rules enabling all legislative committees’ votes to be public, posted online as they are in most other states.
Both are clear and simple; and lots of YES votes send a strong message to your state representative.
If you haven’t mailed in your ballot yet then unfortunately it is not guaranteed that it will be counted in time. We highly encourage you to vote in person instead.
If you already mailed your ballot, use the track my ballot site to make sure it was accepted. If it was rejected (perhaps missing a signature), you can vote in person today.
If you have any questions about the ballot questions or making your vote count, please feel free to respond to this email- we are here to help!
“For many voters, the idea that everybody who is driving should be licensed and insured just makes sense,” Progressive Massachusetts Political Director Jonathan Cohn told the Prospect.
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Despite these challenges, Cohn remains optimistic about the coalition behind the Yes on 4 campaign. “It’s important to make sure that your legislative campaigns are done in such a way that you build an organizing apparatus to not only win legislation but to protect legislation,” he said. “Passing a bill is the first step.”
Wouldn’t it be terrifying if you didn’t having a voting plan?! Don’t worry we have all the resources you need to get your vote out, and help get your community to the polls as well!
Upcoming Election Deadlines
Vote by mail:
We strongly encourage you to submit your mail in ballot by November 1st so it reaches your town clerk or local elections office by November 8th. Your ballot will be counted as long as it’s postmarked by November 8th and arrives by November 12, but please don’t wait until then!
If you haven’t sent in a vote-by-mail application yet and wish to do so, you can download a form here. The deadline to receive your application is November 1st at 5 pm.
If you’ve already received your ballot, you can send it back via mail or via a dropbox near you. And if you want to confirm receipt, you can track your ballot.
If you’re unsure if you applied for a mail-in ballot, use track your ballot to check
Vote early in person:
Early voting is available across the state, and each community has their own dates/deadlines. You can find locations in your community here.
Election Day is less than three weeks away. Do you have a plan to vote?
Fortunately, you have options for how to vote this year (and, indeed, you may have already voted!):
Vote by mail: If you haven’t sent in a vote-by-mail application yet and wish to do so, you can download a form here. If you’ve already received your ballot, you can send it back via mail or via a dropbox near you. And if you want to confirm receipt, you can track your ballot.
Vote early in person: Early voting starts this weekend. You can find locations in your community here.
Vote on Election Day: As always, you can confirm your polling place at wheredoivotema.com.
And remember, the deadline to register to vote or update your registration is Saturday, October 29. You can register online here if you need to.
Your Progressive Guide to the Statewide Ballot Initiatives
YES ON 1: Fair Share Amendment
The Fair Share Amendment – Question 1 on the November ballot – will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. Question 1 would create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and constitutionally dedicate the funds to be spent on transportation and public education. Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will be impacted; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, roads, bridges, and public transportation. Learn more and get involved at FairShareMA.com.
YES on 2: Better Dental Care
In Massachusetts, we have a law that requires medical insurance plans to spend at least 88% of all money taken in by premiums on health care or efforts to improve the quality of health care delivery. However, no such requirement exists for dental insurance, enabling insurance companies to siphon off as much as they want to line executives’ pockets. Question 2 would establish such a requirement for dental insurance plans so that dental insurance premiums go toward care, rather than profit, and strengthen financial transparency and regulation of dental insurance companies.
YES on 4: Safer Roads
A YES on 4 would uphold the Work & Family Mobility Act, a bill passed by 75% of the MA Legislature that would allow qualified drivers – regardless of immigration status – to pass a road test, buy insurance, obtain a license and legally drive in Massachusetts. By voting YES ON 4, Massachusetts voters will ensure that immigrants without status can legally make essential trips, like dropping off kids at school and getting to work, medical appointments, and the grocery store, while upholding the regulatory framework that ensures all drivers have passed a road test, bought insurance, and have a form of verified identification. Learn more and get involved at https://saferroadsma.com/.
Wait, Is There a 5 or a 6, too?
In select state representative districts, there are non-binding advisory questions as well, and if you see them on your ballot, you should also vote YES:
YES on 5, which would instruct the district’s state representative to support legislation to create a single payer health care system in Massachusetts so that we finally treat health care as a right, not a privilege.
YES on 6, which would instruct the district’s state representative to support a change to the MA House’s rules enabling all legislative committee’s votes to be public, posted online as they are on most other states.
Both are clear and simple; you should vote YES, and your state representative should listen.
Legislative Endorsements
As a reminder, our members have endorsed the following candidates:
Election Day is one month and one day away. That’s right: November 8 is coming fast.
And there are many opportunities, all across Massachusetts, to help ensure victory for Question 1 and Question 4 this November.
Question 1: The Fair Share Amendment
As a reminder, Question 1, the Fair Share Amendment, would add a 4% surtax to the portion of someone’s annual income over $1 million to raise $2 billion in constitutionally dedicated funds for public education and transportation across the Commonwealth. 99+% of us won’t pay a penny more, but we will all benefit from the investments the revenue would make possible.
Those investments can mean greater funding for early education, for more teachers and counselors in our schools, for lowering tuition and hiring faculty and at our public colleges and universities, for fixing potholes, for upgrading structurally deficient bridges, and for expanding access to high-quality public transit.
Here’s how you can help:
Find a canvass near you.
Sign up for a phone bank.
Sign up for a relational organizing training.
Question 4: The Work & Family Mobility Act / YES for Safer Roads
As a reminder, in June over 75% of Massachusetts State Senators and Representatives voted to override a gubernatorial veto so that all qualified state residents, regardless of immigration status, can apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license starting on July 1, 2023, joining 18 other states with such laws including our neighbors New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Unfortunately, xenophobes and reactionaries in the state are trying to overturn this and are hoping to repeal it by ballot. But we won’t let them.
Vote YES to keep the law in place for safer roads, greater public safety, and work and family mobility.
Election Day is six weeks away. And that’s coming up fast.
In that spirit, we’re proud to announce a new round of endorsements, voted on by our members.
A few quick reminders first:
Confirm your polling location at wheredoivotema.com.
Apply for a mail-in ballot here.
Register to vote or update your registration here.
MA House: Re-Election Endorsements
3rd Bristol: State Rep Carol Doherty
The District: Easton (Precinct 4A, 5, 6), Taunton (Ward 1 Precincts A, B; Wards 2, 5, 7, 8)
Rep. Carol Doherty has been fighting to ensure that all students get the resources and supports they need. She understands that every community in our Commonwealth thrives when we invest in education and infrastructure, when we strengthen workers’ rights, and when our government is accessible and accountable to the public they serve.
Learn more about her campaign at https://caroldoherty.com/.
Rep. David LeBoeuf has been a strong advocate for expanding health care access and removing economic barriers facing the most marginalized. A committed supporter of bold climate action, he understands how housing, climate, and economic justice are connected and co-filed the top piece of legislation this past session to advance that vision of climate action. Learn more about his campaign at https://www.davidleboeuf.org.
New MA Senate Endorsements
Second Suffolk: State Rep Liz Miranda
The District: Boston (Roxbury, Mattapan, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain)
Rep. Liz Miranda has been a strong champion for immigrants’ rights, criminal legal reform, maternal health, and environmental justice and is a legislator who knows how to fight to win. She brings a powerful lived experience and a commitment to policy and robust constituent services. She has been a vocal ally for individuals and groups fighting for justice in Massachusetts, and we need more people like her in office.
Hampden, Hampshire, & Worcester: State Rep Jake Oliveira
The District: Belchertown, Chicopee (Ward 1 Precincts A, B; Ward 6 Precincts A, B; Ward 8 Precinct B; Ward 9 Precinct B; East Longmeadow; Granby; Hampden; Longmeadow; Ludlow; Palmer; South Hadley; Springfield; Ward 6 Precincts B, D; Ward 7 Precincts B, C, D, E, F, G, H1; Warren; Wilbraham)
Rep. Jake Oliveira has been a strong champion of public education and a reliable ally for transit and environmental justice activists in Western Mass. As a former advocate for the state association of school committees and the state association for public universities, he understands well how investing in education is critical for equity and economic vitality.
Kevin Kalkut has a shown a commitment to public service via the Norfolk Planning Board and Norfolk Select Board and to coalition-building, having brought together stakeholders to create a plan to expand multifamily zoning while preserving green space. He would be a strong advocate for public education, reproductive health care, affordable housing, and climate action.
Learn more about his campaign at https://www.kalkut4rep.com/.
5th Suffolk: Chris Worrell
The District: Boston (Roxbury, Dorchester)
Chris Worrell has a strong background in public service and community engagement, especially ensuring greater voice for impacted communities. As a state legislator, he will fight to address deep-rooted education and housing inequities and ensure that Roxbury and Dorchester are able to benefit from our state’s economic prosperity.
Learn more about his campaign at https://votechristopherworrell.com/.
11th Worcester: Stephen Fishman
The District: Shrewsbury; Westborough (Precinct 4)
Stephen Fishman is a former small business owner who understands that small businesses thrive when we invest in strong public education and transportation systems. Unlike the Republican incumbent he is challenging, he would be a reliable advocate for workers’ rights, voting rights, and reproductive justice.
Learn more about his campaign at https://stephenfishman.org/.
Reminder: Our Endorsements Continuing to the General
As a reminder, these join our other endorsees advancing to November:
Rahsaan Hall for Plymouth County District Attorney: https://www.hall4da.com
State SenatorBecca Rausch for the Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex state senate district: https://www.beccarausch.com/
Robyn Kennedy for the First Worcester state senate district: https://www.kennedy4senate.com/
“The way I describe the Massachusetts legislature’s evolution over the past decade is that they have gone from doing things that are actively harmful to things that are woefully insufficient,” says Jonathan Cohn, policy director for Progressive Massachusetts, a statewide political advocacy group. “There is a certain type of conservatism bred out of inertia, risk avoidance, lack of engagement on policy on an individual level and the fact that the most powerful interests militate in favor of the status quo. Not an outright ‘big C’ conservativism like a Republican legislature, but a status quo bias in operation.”
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“Under a Republican governor power resides within the legislature, they set the agenda: They can ignore whatever the governor asks them to do because, at the end of the day, they can pull together the votes for what they want to do regardless,” says Cohn. “[A] Democratic governor assumes that the legislature should pass the Democratic governor’s priorities, which takes power away from the Speaker and away from the Senate president.”
