Today, Because of You

Dear Collaborative Member,

Today is the day. After nearly three decades of fighting to ensure quality rates were set and funded for Massachusetts' human services providers, we can rest knowing the battle is done and the battle is won. Judge Kaplan's signed order - binding the agreement we reached with the Baker Administration last week - was received today. Our member organizations can now breathe easier, assured that promises of fair rates are more than just promises. They are the law of the land and are backed up by a judge's mandate.

There are far too many people who worked far too many years to accurately credit here for making today possible, but there are some who simply must be named. Gov. Charlie Baker, Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders and Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Developmental Services Dana Roszkiewicz were crucial in understanding the complexity and depth of the issue. Past and present members of the Collaborative's Steering Committee never stopped advocating on behalf of our members and the people for whom they provide supports and services. And our negotiators, Ron Ardine, Bruce Bird, Deb Ekstrom and Bill Sprague, held firm despite many long and tense sessions, prompting the Commonwealth to loosen previously-held immovable positions.

We have today because of all of these folks and more. Particularly, we have today because of you - our dedicated, forward-thinking and, most of all, patient members. There were too many days when it would have been easier to give up, accept pennies on the dollar, not make waves and hope for the best in the next budget cycle. Instead, you supported and empowered us to hold the line, stand by our principles and demand what is legal and just.

Today is for you because today is thanks to you.

Thanks from all of us,

Erin, Gary, Michael and Vic