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I am an activist: I actively work to promote positive change in our world. Often those efforts tend to be on a local level, but not always. Last week, I travelled to Boston to ask my state delegation to support election-day registration (see earlier post). Tomorrow, I’ll return to the State House with a busload of folks from the Lowell chapter of Stand for Children as well as members from 40 other communities to advocate for increased state funds for education.  In particular, the Stand group will ask legislators to close corporate tax loopholes without providing corporate “give backs” through phased-in tax cuts. Among other concerns, Stand’s position is to take revenue from closing tax loopholes and put an additional $108 million into education, as well as use the balance for property tax assistance for low-income residents. According to their Fact Sheet: Corporations are contributing less in state revenue (in 1960s corporate taxes accounted for 30% of state revenue—currently it’s about 12%); in 41 other states, corporations pay a greater percentage in state and local taxes (Ernst & Young study); and closing corporate tax loopholes levels playing field for small businesses. In addition, studies by the Mass. Budget and Policy Center and the Economic Institute indicate that investing in education and infrastructure is the way to promote economic growth, NOT cutting revenue desperately needed for public services.

Stand’s Day on the Hill tomorrow will include members speaking with 39 senators and 48 representatives and their staff. In addition, the group will hear from Paul Reville, chair of the board of education and education secretary; Senator Augustus, vice chair of the senate education committee; Chris Gabrieli, chair of Mass. 2020; and Senator Creem, chair o f senate revenue committee. It’s not too late to join us; we’ll register at the State House Gardner Auditorium 9:30-10:15. There’s also room on the bus from Lowell, which leaves from Showcase Cinemas, 32 Reiss Avenue, at 8:45.