Dear Labor Activist,
Last week the House of Representatives included a provision in its budget to exempt the MBTA from the Taxpayer Protection Act, which ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely by subjecting proposed privatization measures to a cost-benefit analysis performed by the State Auditor. If adopted, this proposal would result in private contractors being allowed to bid on jobs and services currently performed by union workers -- with no cost-benefit analysis and no assurance that services will be upheld.
Now it’s on to the Senate. The State Senate will debate their version of the budget later this month and we need to stop this provision from being included in order to keep it from becoming law. Click here to contact your Senator by phone and email and urge them to reject the House’s proposal to exempt the MBTA from the Taxpayer Protection Act.
Today we remember Business Agent Charlie Geary, on the one-year anniversary of his passing. Rest In Peace Charlie. 
Michael Ronald Nelson, 27, of Plymouth MA is now his children’s superhero in the sky. Michael attended Plymouth South High School graduating class of 2010. Michael worked in many fields such as culinary, landscaping, painting, and most recently a Journeyman for Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 17. His true passions included MMA and working out. He enjoyed watching our local sports teams especially football on Sundays with his brothers and father. Michael was a father to Jaxon Troy and Aurora Skylar, son to Carol and Mike, brother to Mark and David, committed boyfriend to Brittany, and friend to some of the luckiest people. Michael enjoyed snuggling with his son, even to wake up with some toes in his nose. He loved his children and dog, Diesel, more than anyone else in the world. The highlight of his week was playing T-Ball with his son. He was always there to help fix his stance, placing his hands the right way and telling him he would knock it out of the park. Michael had an uncanny way of brightening up your day with his smile and infectious laugh. He was always good for a joke at the worst time. Michael enjoyed getting his hands dirty in his projects, watching modern Marvel movies and eating more candy than one human could eat! Michael, known as Mikey, to his girlfriend, was the sweetest guy and unselfishly would to give the shirt off his back to anyone. He had an amazing sense of humor that in fact made himself laugh before the joke was over!