Economic Justice

The ACLU of Massachusetts works to ensure that all people have their basic rights protected regardless of their wealth or income.

Photo collage of Traci Griffith at a microphone, center image shows a protest sign with "Hands Off Our Workers", and left image shows hands on a steering wheel.

From fighting for safe working conditions to advocating for paid family and medical leave, the ACLU has always been a staunch ally of workers and people with low incomes.

We are also challenging the government’s practice of issuing excessive penalties for minor infractions (such as unpaid fines and fees) that can keep Bay Staters trapped in cycles of poverty.

The Latest

Press Release
Placeholder image

ACLU of Massachusetts Statement on Counsel Crisis Following Oral Arguments at Supreme Judicial Court

When the state fails to create a system where indigent defense attorneys can afford to do their work, the most vulnerable defendants pay the cost. The court must step in and exercise its authority to protect the constitutional right to counsel.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Law Reform, Economic Justice
Press Release
ACLUM Responds to Supreme Court Decision in Grants Pass V. Johnson

ACLU of Massachusetts responds to Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson

Make no mistake: We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness. Instead, communities must prioritize proven solutions, like making housing more affordable and providing accessible and voluntary treatment.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Law Reform, Economic Justice
Press Release
Boston City Hall

Statement of the ACLU of Massachusetts on new “Mass. and Cass” ordinance

Especially as Massachusetts faces an emergency family shelter crisis, policymakers at every level must do all they can to ensure our state’s most vulnerable people have access to safe shelter.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Law Reform, Economic Justice
Press Release
MA State House No Logo.png

Statement of the ACLU of Massachusetts on 2024 state budget compromise

Massachusetts lawmakers announced a 2024 state budget compromise over the weekend, with a final proposal filed Sunday night and a vote scheduled for today. 
Issue Areas: Economic Justice
Campaign
Feb 2026

The Road to Opportunity Act (H.3662 | S.2368)

Massachusetts should pass the Road to Opportunity Act (H.3662, S.2368) and end the practice of taking away driver’s licenses solely because of debts unrelated to dangerous driving.