TAKE ACTION TODAY • Contact your Legislators regarding the Vocational Task Force and Lab Modernization Grants

This task force would be instrumental in identifying strategies to expand Chapter 74 programs and ensure all students have access to high-quality technical education. While equity is important, the new lottery-based rules apply a one-size-fits-all approach that undermines local control and fails to account for effort, attendance, and discipline history. These regulations were based on flawed data interpretations and contradict DESE’s own findings, which show minimal need for systemic reform.

House Outside Section 65 (pg. 335) establishes a Vocational Admissions Task Force and Section 68 (pg.341) pauses the lottery admissions pending the report of the Vocational Admissions Task Force if established.

Lab Modernization Grants (Line Item 1596-2513, pg.2 line 29)
Support the Senate’s $100M allocation and the House’s implementation language to expand student access and reduce waitlists in high-demand vocational programs. This funding is essential to meet growing workforce needs and reduce the current waitlist of 6,000-11,000 students

TAKE ACTION by calling & emailing your Legislators • Legislators can be found by searching by town or zipcode HERE

Key Message: "I urge you to reject the proposed lottery admissions system for Voc-Tech schools. Instead, support and invest in the expansion of Chapter 74 programs through the Task Force and the Fairshare Tax to ensure all students have access to high-quality technical education, thereby maintaining Massachusetts' tradition of high educational standards and preparing our students for future success. Additionally, please support the lab modernization funding line item in order to address the needs of the students within the commonwealth."

Call

• Clearly and respectfully state your support for the Task Force Amendment and your opposition to the lottery admission system for Voc-Tech & Agricultural Schools.

• Express your concern that this policy "waters down" high educational standards and creates "winners and losers" among students.

• If you have a personal story share it in 3-5 sentences. (alumni, school committee member, parent, student, waitlisted student etc)

• Advocate for lab modernization line item, increased funding, and the expansion of Chapter 74 programs using Fair Share tax revenue to eliminate waiting lists and provide equitable access.

• State that you are following the information provided by www.mavoctechcoalition.org

Email

• Compose a personalized detailed email to your Legislator's office, reiterating the points made during the phone call.

• Include the following key arguments:

• The proposed lottery system undermines Massachusetts' tradition of high educational expectations.

• Eliminating standards like grades, attendance, and behavior is detrimental to student achievement.

• Fact-finding by the Vocational Task force, rather than a lottery, will ensure a cohesive plan to expand the system and that all students have access to valuable Voc-Tech Agricultural education system.

• Refer to the information provided by www.mavoctechcoalition.org.

• Emphasize the need for bold leadership and long-term investment to maintain Massachusetts' competitive edge in future job markets.

  CC Legislative Leadership & Budget Conferees

  When communicating with your delegation, please CC the following individuals:

  • House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov

  • Senate President Karen Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov

  • House Ways & Means Committee Chair Aaron M. Michlewitz: Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov

  • Senate Ways & Means Committee Chair Michael Rodrigues: Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov

  • Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante: Ann-Margaret.Ferrante@mahouse.gov

  • Senator Joanne Comerford: Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov

  • Rep. Todd Smola: Todd.Smola@mahouse.house.gov

  • Senator Patrick O’Connor: Patrick.OConnor@masenate.gov

Follow-Up:

• Document the date and time of your calls and emails.

• If possible, record the name of the person you spoke with.

• Retain a copy of your email and send it to us: mavoctechcoalition@gmail.com

• Continue to check this website and our Facebook Page and LinkedIN for updated information.