On October 5th, the Massachusetts Senate voted to override Governor Healey’s veto of the Civics Project Trust Fund. 

This vote, coupled with the Massachusetts’ House vote the week before, officially reconfirms the Commonwealth’s investment in civic education for the upcoming school year. The FY24 budget increased the Civics Project Trust Fund by 25% to $2,500,000.

“This victory is a testament to the widespread support and importance of civic education for our students,” said Discovering Justice Executive Director Matt Wilson, who is the Advocacy Chair of the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition, a group of 40+ civic education organizations and supporters in the Commonwealth.

In July, the Legislature voted to increase funding to the Trust Fund by $500,000 for the second year in a row. The increase this year was vetoed by Governor Healey who proposed a $500,000 cut to the Trust Fund. You can read more about the override vote in this CommonWealth Magazine article.

The override restores funding for civic education and will support:

• An increased number of local grants for school districts to support civic education 
• Professional Development for our civics teachers through the Professional Learning Pathways Program 
• Development of “Investigating History,” civics curriculum for Grades 3 and 4
• Civic Showcases to highlight the projects of 8th graders and high school students

Discovering Justice currently works with the Boston, Chelsea, Dennis-Yarmouth, Hopkinton, Springfield, and West Springfield school districts, all which have received funds from the Civics Project Trust Fund. 

Thanks to all the Discovering Justice supporters who sent notes to their Senators and Representatives encouraging their support for civic education.