This is a typical row of 3- deckers on Marion Street in my neighborhood. When I moved to Somerville, 3-deckers were the way many working families were able to buy their homes, with multiple generations in the apartments or tenants helping … [Read more...]
Losing options for elder care
The Massachusetts population — like all of us — is getting older. Already there are more people over 60 than under 20. At the same time, we’re losing institutions that care for people who need help, and we’re not developing the … [Read more...]
What’s a good school? The answer matters!
What's a good school? And how do you know? How you answer may affect where you choose to live, send your children, or teach. How we answer as a state can affect the future of children, teachers, schools, and communities. Teachers … [Read more...]
A better charter bill
“What changes do you want to see in charter schools?” I sometimes hear this from people who know I’m against Question 2, which would allow for unlimited expansion of charter schools without changing anything about them or their … [Read more...]
Bernie Because
The growing concentration of income, wealth, and power in our country is the greatest threat to opportunity for our children and grandchildren.. Bernie Sanders is the candidate who takes the clearest stand against inequality and for … [Read more...]
Berwick Because: Education, Experience, Electability
Thank you, Blue Mass Group, for endorsing Don Berwick! I’m an education voter. The next governor will appoint the Secretary of Education and members of the Board of Education, who choose the Commissioner of Education. The governor can … [Read more...]
Minimum Wage and the Achievement Gap
Raise the Minimum Wage, Reduce the Achievement Gap by Senator Pat Jehlen Last month, the Senate voted to restore the minimum wage to its 1968 value, raising it to $11. (This newsletter is a version of my … [Read more...]
Senator Pat Jehlen’s Budget Forum April 12
The budget crisis continues. Local aid and programs from services for disabled children, to aid for deaf/blind individuals, to assistance for vulnerable seniors are threatened with cuts or closure. This year's budget promises … [Read more...]