October 5, 2001

Dear Colleagues:

At Tuesday's Board of Higher Education meeting, Chairman Steve Tocco spoke strongly and directly to his support for the complete and ongoing funding of the MSCA contract. A group of BHE members and college presidents will meet with the governor and the legislative leadership to make this case, not only for our contract but other higher education contracts currently on the governor's desk. I addressed the Board and my remarks are posted on the MSCA website.

A joint management-labor meeting was held with Speaker Finneran on Wednesday afternoon. The participants (Chairman Tocco, Chancellor Gill, MTA Executive-Director Ed Sullivan and I) stressed the importance of funding the MSCA contract for both short-term and long-term benefits to the Commonwealth and its economy. The state's fiscal situation was discussed as well. Further talks will be held with the Speaker, the Senate President, and the administration.

It is clear that the funding of the MSCA contract is caught up in the larger economic and political forces in the state, and that all of our strategies right now need to focus on political activity. Your phone calls, your emails and your letters to representatives and senators have never been more important (webmaster's note: Arline Isaacson of the MTA has provided us with Talking Points of MSCA Contract Funding (10/4/01)). Local chapter presidents should have more specific strategies and information after tomorrow's MSCA Board of Directors meeting, open to all members, at Framingham State College (McCarthy Center Fireplace Lounge) beginning at 10:00 am. Please contact my office (978-542-7282) if you need directions.

Pat Markunas
MSCA President

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