A few years back, some progressive Democrats were sitting around talking about important issues facing both Massachusetts and the United States more broadly. Tired of mere talk, this group of committed social activists decided to do something about it, and thus Progressive Massachusetts was born.
For those of you unfamiliar with Progressive Massachusetts, they are hands down, one of the finest examples of what grassroots mobilization can achieve. In just a few short years, they have emerged as the progressive voice here in Massachusetts and are well worth emulation in other states.
In the last year alone, Progressive Massachusetts has:
Collected more than 17,000 signatures for ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage and provide earned sick time for all workers.
Successfully stopped regressive welfare reform from passing on Beacon Hill.
Lobbied for the most progressive election laws in the country (this legislation is expected to soon pass).
Provided key endorsement of progressive candidates in contested Democratic primaries.
But Progressive Massachusetts isn’t looking backwards, nor is it resting on its laurels. Moving forward, Progressive Massachusetts:
“Believes that Massachusetts should lead the nation in protecting working families and expanding the middle class, while reducing poverty and inequality. We have the economic engine, creative and intellectual capital, environment, historic models, energy and inspiration to reinvest in, re-create and grow a true Common Wealth.”
FIVE YEAR AGENDA
Quality, Free, Publicly-Funded Education:
Within Five Years: Free, publicly funded education available for all residents, from pre-K through community, vocational or four-year college.
A First Step: Universally, publicly funded pre-K available for all residents.
Quality, Affordable Health Care:
Within Five Years: A Single Payer system, similar to Medicare for All.
A First Step: A Public Option which enables any resident to pay into an enhanced MassHealth system.
Affordable, Decent House, In Safe, Vibrant Neighborhoods:
Within Five Years: Universal access to housing that costs no more than ⅓ of your household income.
A First Step: Increased funding for rental assistance programs.
Jobs That Pay a Living Wage:
Within Five Years: Every job pays a living wage, of at least $15/hour, and everyone has access to safe and reliable public transportation.
A First Step: Enact Raise Up MA – Increased minimum wage indexed to inflation and earned sick time.
An Equitable Tax System:
Within Five Years: Constitutional amendment to implement a graduated income tax.
A First Step: Enact legislation that raises $1 billion in new revenue from the wealthiest residents and closes corporate tax loopholes.
Who We Have Heard From Already…And Who Is Yet To Come 🙂
Already, Progressive Democrat, Congressman Jim McGovern as addressed the conference, and later, delegates will hear from Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, as well as several of the leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates.
**This post originally appeared on the DailyKos and was subsequently featured on Election Diary Rescue.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/04/06/1290046/-Herding-Cats-Progressive-Massachusetts-Holds-Second-Annual-Conference-to-Standing-Room-Audience?detail=hide
I especially like the first steps/final step dichotomy. We can pass the first steps now, we just need the leadership and the grassroots pressure. I’ve posted elsewhere about this, but we’ve seen elsewhere that state houses are actually more conservative than the electorate they represent. This is because cranky conservatives call their reps whenever there is a tax increase or a social change and end up being more vocal than the progressive majority.
Progressive Massachusetts is changing that by pressuring legislators and winning victories, electing allies in the state legislature and keeping score of who is actually living up to their end of the bargain. Great work but a lot more work to be done
It was fantastic to be among so many progressive allies, and to see such a turn-out. Congressman McGovern had terrific opening remarks, and really underscored the vast distance between who we say we are and how we are governing/being governed. He was very explicit that the problem runs from Congress down to local government: that the people who have a voice/seat at the table are the ones with the money and power, and that they are driving policy, to the detriment of the working and middle class. Good stuff.
And I missed the Elizabeth Warren introduction, so I am happy I can see it now, yay technology!
I’ve always been a fan of Jim’s. His keynote at the Progressive Dems conference is terrific. Please oh please, Jim, don’t disappear to a desert island! http://www.progressivemass.com/pcsummaries
Progressive Massachusetts, established in earnest in 2013, and the Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts are two different organizations. Progressive Massachusetts (which is officially non-partisan) sponsored the conference.
I raise this because I’ve heard it called “Progressive Democrats” numerous times.
Dr Boerl, thank you for this post!
An FYI to all: We now have full videos of the Governor’s Forum up. More info here.
Rental assistance is a weak solution. A basic income is a strong solution.