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COLA Base Increased to $16,000

State Budget Sent to Governor Patrick

Your e-mails and phone calls to the members of the Budget Conference Committee have been successful.

An increase in the COLA base to $16,000 which both the Senate and House included in their budgets was also included in the budget that was enacted on July 3. This COLA increase would impact members of the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System (MTRS) and state employees.

The budget has been sent to Governor Patrick for his signature.

Everyone receiving this e-mail needs to contact the Governor and let him know that you expect him to keep this increase in the state budget.

The Governor will be considering action on the budget in the next several days. He will be contacted and advised by those who do not want you to receive an increase in the COLA base. Let him know how important this increase is to you.

Action Needed Now

Governor Patrick needs to hear from you immediately.

E-mails need to be sent to the Governor to insure that members of the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS) and state employees receive a COLA based on the $16,000 that is included in the state budget that has been sent to the Governor.

People in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will have the opportunity to vote to eliminate the state income tax at the November ballot. This would immediatley remove 40% of the Massachusetts budget and would have a disastrous impact on education at all levels as well as other public services. Be aware of those collecting signatures to get this initiative on the November ballot.

From MTA Today (May/June 2008)