MASSACHUSETTS’ CHILD CARE system serving the state’s most vulnerable children has seen improvement in recent years, but a new report warns that issues with recruiting and keeping workers could undermine efforts to expand access to affordable child care. With federal support from a second Trump…

In 2023, MTF released a report which made several recommendations on reforms that should be made to the Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) system to ensure greater system efficiency, family engagement, outcomes for children, and support for providers. CCFA is an integral and complex part of the…

Child care workers in Massachusetts continue to struggle despite the state's reforms in recent years, with many working multiple jobs to make ends meet or leaving the industry altogether, per a new report. Why it matters: The wide-ranging reforms to Massachusetts child care will go only so far…

Higher ed’s fortunes, whether good or bad, “are more pronounced here than in any other state,” said Doug Howgate, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, during a recent  presentation and panel discussion the organization convened on the economic impact of higher education in…

MTF's next webinar will examine public and private colleges and universities' role in the Commonwealth's economy. The webinar will include presentations by MTF President Doug Howgate and Evan Horowitz, Executive Director at the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, followed by a…

This November, voters in Massachusetts may be asked to approve or reject a number of proposals that either create new or amend existing state laws. These proposals, known as initiative petitions, are currently under consideration by the State Legislature. If the Legislature does not take action on…

MTF’s latest chartbook, The Importance of Commonwealth Cares for Children, provides a comprehensive overview of this critical new childcare program, including:A history of the program and its purpose;An overview of funding history;A breakdown of how the grant formula works for providers; andKey…

On March 7th, Senate Bill 2697, An Act ensuring affordability, readiness and learning for our youth and driving economic development was released from the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Senators have until Monday, March 11th to review the legislation and file amendments, debate will be on…

On January 24th, the Healey-Driscoll administration released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget proposal, with significant investments in childcare, education, and transportation. The $58.13 billion spending plan is a $2.1 billion increase (3.7 percent) over the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (…

On Monday, March 4th MTF was invited to testify before the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions.  MTF testified in opposition to House Bill 4252, which would eliminate any statewide standard for high school graduation in Massachusetts.  You can read MTF’s submitted testimony…