As the Commonwealth’s voters go to the polls in less than a month, we at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce are deeply concerned about Massachusetts Ballot Question 2, which proposes to eliminate the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) statewide standardized tests as a primary high school graduation requirement. While well-intentioned, this measure threatens to undermine the educational progress our state has made and could have far-reaching consequences for our students, businesses and regional economy.

MCAS has been a cornerstone of the Massachusetts education system since passage of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act. This law was a bipartisan effort resulting in significant new funding for education, accompanied by high statewide standards for learning, and a system for measuring progress. More than thirty years later, schools in Massachusetts are the envy of America, propelled from the middle of the pack to the very top of the national education rankings today. But this achievement is more than just a point of pride—it’s a key driver of our state’s economic competitiveness.

In North Central Massachusetts, we’ve seen firsthand how a strong education system attracts businesses, creates jobs and helps build thriving communities. MCAS plays a crucial role in maintaining accountability and high standards, ensuring that a Massachusetts high school diploma signifies a basic level of academic achievement.

Proponents of Question 2 argue the MCAS creates undue stress and doesn’t accurately measure student abilities. They also contend the system unfairly impacts students facing various challenges, including those with disabilities, from low-income households, and experiencing other forms of educational disadvantages. While we acknowledge MCAS isn’t perfect, we believe eliminating the state’s only graduation requirement is an overreaction that could have unintended negative consequences.

Removing the MCAS could lead to a patchwork of standards across the state, potentially exacerbating educational inequities. Without a common benchmark, it becomes challenging to ensure all students, regardless of their zip code, receive a quality education that prepares them for future success. The MCAS also serves as an important assessment tool, providing valuable data to help identify and address achievement gaps. Losing this tool could make it harder to pinpoint areas where additional resources and support are needed, ultimately disadvantaging the students who need help the most. Our region’s economic growth depends on a skilled workforce. Weakening our education standards could also make us less attractive to businesses looking to invest and expand.

Instead of scrapping the MCAS and eliminating uniform, statewide standards, we should focus on improving it. We can work to make the test more inclusive and representative of diverse learning styles while maintaining high standards. We can also enhance support systems for students who struggle with standardized tests without lowering the bar for everyone.

As business leaders, we understand the importance of measurement and continuous improvement. The MCAS has played a significant role in Massachusetts’ rise to educational prominence, benefiting students, families, and our economy.

We urge voters to consider the broader implications of Question 2 carefully. A “No” vote will help preserve the high standards that have served our students and economy so well. Abandoning uniform statewide standards and a commitment to educational excellence would be a great disservice to our young people and their future success.

Roy M. Nascimento, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

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The general election is just a few weeks away and there will be two important questions you will be asked to vote on. After careful review, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recommends a “NO” vote on Massachusetts Ballot Questions 2 and 5. We believe these measures, if passed, could have significant negative implications for local students, our members, communities and our regional economy.

Question 2: MCAS Graduation Requirement

The Chamber opposes Question 2, which would repeal the requirement that students must achieve a certain competency level on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam to receive a high school diploma.

Background and why it’s important:

• MCAS has been a cornerstone of the Massachusetts education system since passage of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act, helping to elevate our state from middle of the pack to having the best public education system in the country.
• Bipartisan effort and strong support from the business community led to the passing of the law, resulting in significant new funding for education accompanied by high, statewide standards for learning, and a system for measuring progress and results.
• Since the law was implemented, graduation rates have steadily increased, drop-out rates have declined, and since 2011, Massachusetts has ranked first in student achievement in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
• Under current state law, students must achieve a score of “Meeting Expectations” or higher on the English language arts and mathematics tests to graduate.
• Passage of Question 2 would eliminate the MCAS as a graduation requirement with students completing coursework certified by the local school district, resulting in more than 300 different graduation standards.
• If Question 2 passes, Massachusetts would be one of only three states with no statewide graduation requirement; and one of two states without a minimum statewide standard for competency in math, English, and science.
• Only 1% (approximately 700)* of Massachusetts high school students do not graduate because of not passing MCAS, primarily because of language barriers and other learning challenges.

Why we recommend voting “NO”:

• The MCAS requirement ensures a baseline of knowledge and skills for high school graduates entering higher education or the job market.
• Repealing this requirement would lower educational standards, impacting the quality of our local talent pool and making our graduates less competitive in the global economy.
• The MCAS provides valuable data for identifying and addressing educational disparities, which is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
• We should take steps to meet the needs of the 1% of students who do not pass, instead of eliminating a comprehensive system that is working for almost every student.
• Relying only on different local academic requirements will exacerbate educational inequities.
• A major competitive advantage for Massachusetts is the quality of our public education system, and must maintain this advantage for our youth to compete in the college admissions process and future employment.

Question 5: Tipped Employee Wages

The Chamber also opposes Question 5, which would gradually increase the wage of tipped employees until it meets the state minimum wage by January 1, 2029.

Background and why it’s important:

• Under current state law, tipped workers in Massachusetts, such as wait staff and bartenders, earn a base wage of $6.75 per hour, with tips making up the difference to meet or exceed the state minimum wage which is currently $15 per hour.
• Question 5 would incrementally raise the tipped minimum wage over five years until it matches whatever the standard minimum wage is in 2029.
• Tips would be extra. But for the first time, restaurants would also be allowed to pool and share those tips with cooks, bookkeepers, and other back-of-the-house workers who aren’t allowed, by current law, to share in those tips.
• If Question 5 passes, Massachusetts would be one of just seven states without a tipped wage credit.

Why we recommend voting “NO”:

• Independent local restaurants are more than just eateries; they are cornerstones of our community’s economic and social fabric. As economic catalysts, they drive foot traffic, benefiting neighboring businesses and shaping our downtowns and business districts. Their presence can influence where people and companies choose to settle, defining the region’s character. Restaurants serve as workforce developers, providing crucial first jobs and sustainable careers, while supporting a network of local suppliers, farms and other businesses. Moreover, the meal and property taxes generated contribute substantially to funding essential municipal services and schools. In essence, our local restaurants are integral to the economic vitality and social wellbeing of our communities.
• This change could significantly impact our restaurant and hospitality businesses, which are vital to our local economy and would come at a time when their industry, which has always operated on thin margins, is still rebounding from the pandemic, coping with inflation and high credit card fees, wrestling with soaring energy and insurance costs, and adapting to changes in dining habits in a work-from-home economy.
• The increased labor costs may force restaurants to raise prices, reduce staff, or limit hours of operation, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic activity.
• It could potentially lead to reduced overall compensation for tipped workers if customers tip less in response to higher prices or the perception that tipping is no longer necessary.
• The current system allows for flexibility and can result in higher earnings for skilled service workers during peak hours.
• The concerns raised by our independent restaurant owners about possible business closures and layoffs if Question 5 passes extend beyond their industry, it could potentially affect suppliers, local tax revenues, and the broader economic stability of our communities.

The Chamber also believes complex issues, such as education standards and wage structures, are best addressed through the legislative process rather than ballot referendums. The legislative process is a more deliberative process that allows for a more thorough debate and discussion of the nuances of these issues. It also provides the ability to make amendments and adjustments based on expert testimony and stakeholder input and provides greater flexibility to respond to changing economic conditions or unintended consequences.

Ballot referendums, while an important part of our democratic process, can sometimes oversimplify complex issues and lack the flexibility needed to address unintended consequences.

How the Chamber reached its conclusion

As the general election ballot questions were announced, Chamber members shared their concerns with us about the issues, specifically those related to Question 2 and Question 5. After listening to our members concerns, we compared our current policy positions with the ballot questions. We also engaged in thoughtful discussions with those who work in our restaurants and public schools, and reviewed research on these topics with our Government Affairs Committee, which represents a diverse cross-section of our membership. The committee’s recommendations were then presented to our board of directors for approval.

While all opinions expressed throughout the review were taken into consideration, this process also ensured we understood the diverse views and voices within our business community. As our policy is to lead through consensus rather than unanimity, we are able to represent the broader interests of our membership and communities.

Ultimately, the board concluded both Question 2 and Question 5 would have numerous negative consequences for our region, thus resulting in urging members to vote “NO” on Question 2 and Question 5.

We encourage all Chamber members to carefully consider these issues and their potential impact on our students and the business community. The Chamber believes maintaining educational standards and preserving the current tipped wage system are important for the continued growth and prosperity of our region.

We welcome your thoughts and feedback on these positions. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns by contacting Travis Condon, Public Affairs Manager, at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or via email at .

*Source: Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

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Did you know the Latinx community represents more than 30 percent of the population in the City of Fitchburg and approximately 18 percent of Leominster residents? When compared to a 12.6 percent of Latinos accounting for the total population in the Commonwealth, it’s clear there is a huge influx of Latinos coming to North Central Massachusetts.

“We have seen a steady and ever-increasing community of Hispanics grow in the North Central area, especially Fitchburg and Leominster,” said Neddy Latimer, executive director at the Spanish American Center in Leominster. “Whereas in the early years, the primary Hispanic population moving to this area were of Puerto Rican descent and migrated up from New York City in search of work in the plastics and other industrial endeavors, the population has diversified greatly, with significant numbers of families from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, and other Central and South American countries.”

As the oldest social services organization exclusively serving the Hispanic community in Worcester County, Latimer, and colleague, Mickey Guzman, who serves as the organization’s information and referral specialist, both serve as liaisons between the community and the services their clients need. “While our name may have Spanish American in it, we are committed to helping everyone in the community regardless of their cultural background.”

“We work with clients on everything from legal documents that need to be notarized to providing referrals for housing services and assessments for children to enroll in school,” said Guzman. “We want to obtain an overall picture of the family to learn of their needs so we can help connect them to ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) classes, finding employment and we even help with food insecurity.”

Nico Gerthet-Garcia, community business advisor at the Chamber and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, said despite challenges, North Central Massachusetts as a good place to raise a family for everyone, including Latinos. “Our region has a laid-back feeling and low crime rates when compared to other cities, so it really makes North Central the best place to live and work.”

And Gerthet-Garcia would know. Originally from Uruguay, he immigrated to Leominster at three-years-old with his family because of the strong Uruguayan culture in the city. “I’m from Uruguay and I think Leominster is likely the third highest populated city of Uruguayans in the country after Miami and a city in New Jersey,” he said. “When I lived in Leominster as a child, my culture was still all around me because of the large Uruguayan presence there. We even left and moved to Atlanta for a short time but came back to our second home in Leominster because we were so much more comfortable there.”

Gerthet-Garcia estimates there are approximately 3 million Uruguayans in the United States and many of them are interested in starting a business to help the local economy. However national data and local research indicate that minorities are less likely to take advantage of available resources within the entrepreneurial ecosystem and established business networks.

The Chamber and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), are doing something to change these statistics and that’s where Gerthet-Garcia can help. He was hired to work at the NCMDC to focus on the Latinx community where there is a robust need for assistance. “We want to reach out to our Latinx community and let them know if they have a desire to open a business that we can make that dream happen,” he said. “I joined this team so our Latino speaking clients have someone who can effectively communicate with them—and for them—while also understanding their struggles and cultural barriers so they feel confident when obtaining a loan.”

Gerthet-Garcia estimates that eight out of 10 NCMDC loans are for startups, with the average loan amount of $25,000. “We don’t just help them get the loan, but we also connect them to partners who work with the entrepreneur on a business plan and help make projections, which are required for our startups to access funding,” he added. “There is a lot of hand holding through the process, but we help with communicating their needs with the underwriters and then make sure the entrepreneurs have all the resources they need post-closing to be successful.”

As a Latina business leader in North Central, Rachel Lopez, president of Resource Management, Inc., in Fitchburg, said Hispanic owned businesses continue to be confronted with insufficient access to capital and funding, while additional challenges of being a Latina and woman exacerbate the disparity between her male counterparts in the region.

“Latina owned businesses face additional challenges similar to other women-owned businesses with substantially lower revenues and profitability than the businesses owned by men,” said Lopez. “Expanding access to financial education, government programs, grants, and loans helps address the challenges while empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs to grow their business and contribute to the economy.

Lopez noted that Hispanic owned businesses face many challenges including financial disparities, limited access to financing sources and lenders, discrimination and cultural differences, limited resources and lack of awareness of funding options, as well as customer acquisition, and hiring, retaining and growing staff.”

In fact, Latino owned businesses were disproportionally impacted by the pandemic as research by the Worcester Business Journal conducted after the pandemic indicated that only 6 percent of Paycheck Protection Loans in Worcester County were awarded to Latinos, as opposed to 84 percent going to White business owners. What’s more is that reporting by MassINC also found that 29 percent of minority-owned businesses missed rent payments compared with 19 percent of White-owned businesses. MassINC indicates these statistics are a likely result of disparities for Latino businesses that have not been able to access resources and programs as much as other business owners.

Despite the challenges, Lopez and Gerthet-Garcia agree that Latino business owners are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs creating businesses, which Lopez noted is at more than twice the rate of the general population and three times the rate in our region.

“Latino owned businesses are set to revolutionize the U.S. economy and are projected to make up 29 percent of the population by 2050,” said Lopez. “As of 2023, Latino entrepreneurs established five million businesses across the United States generating over $800 billion in annual revenue.”

According to the workforce study commissioned by the Chamber, the region’s underserved populations, especially the Latino population, face glaring educational and income gaps. For example, the Latino population makes up about 11 percent of the region’s population but accounts for 28 percent of residents without a high-school degree, setting them up for a disadvantage in the workplace.

In January 2022, the Chamber announced the Equitable Credential Attainment Cohort program in partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) and the Spanish American Center. The goal of the program is to increase participation in targeted credential programs among underserved residents across North Central Massachusetts with a focus on the Latinx population. In Worcester County, approximately 76 percent of all jobs are held by White workers, and these same workers hold over 81 percent of all higher-wage jobs. Conversely, Black and Hispanic/Latinx workers account for 17.3 percent of all employees, but account for over 25 percent of all workers earning less than $35,000 per year.

Kijah Gordon, assistant vice president for Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development at MWCC, spearheads the program with the Chamber and the Spanish American Center, who work collaboratively to communicate and refer the program to potential students.

“We already had a great working relationship with Mickey and the Spanish American Center, and Travis (Condon) at the Chamber, so this partnership was seamless from the beginning as we worked together to get the word out and find individuals who would be the ideal students for the program,” said Gordon. “The Spanish American Center posts about the program on social media and Mickey is always referring clients to us.”

MWCC offers an eight-week or 15-week program with students finishing the course work in one semester and move into a 30-hour full workweek with one of the program’s clinical partners. The program is free and includes everything a student needs to ensure success, including skills prep, textbooks and scrub uniforms. As of July 1, 2024, Massachusetts offers the first CNA test for free as well.

Once an individual is enrolled as a student, meetings are scheduled with Gordon and program staff to understand the student’s needs and to evaluate on the best path forward to ensure success.

“Our students have families and may need certain hours to attend programs in order to care for their children,” added Gordon. “For example, manufacturing was a part of the original program, but most mothers in the program were concerned about the longer hours of working time that manufacturing requires and realized there was a better work-life balance and career path with our CNA (certified nurse aide) program. With this realization, we found a strong pathway for a CNA to be an RN (registered nurse) in the future as well as a higher increase in pay in the health care field.”

Empowering students is another aspect of the program, which Gordon said offers a sense of pride among students. “In years prior, our programs included the term ‘ESL’ in the program description, but students didn’t like having ESL attached to their program, so we adjusted the program names and now refer to our programs that offer ESL as CNA+, for example,” she added. “Students also mentor their peers which in itself provides pride and an opportunity to learn leadership skills.”

For Lopez, her climb to President began in 1995 when her father founded RMI, and over the years she has made it her life’s work to improve the Latinx community through volunteering her time. She was appointed as a member of the Latino Advisory Committee for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Governor Charlie Baker, served on the ARPA Advisory Committee for the City of Fitchburg, as a Trustee and board member for the Fitchburg Art Museum, and was chair of the board for the Chamber in 2021-2022, and as Treasurer of Centro.

“The Chamber is an unwavering advocate for the interests of the region and our business is proud to be involved in helping to advance our economy,” said Lopez. “I was honored and humbled to serve as the Chair and grateful for the experience. It is my sincere opinion that North Central Massachusetts is a great place to live, put down roots and build businesses.”

Lopez said it is also encouraging to see North Central grow and transform to attract diverse minority groups of all backgrounds and businesses.

“The real estate market, coupled with our elected leaders’ commitment to enable entrepreneurs to be successful, plays a key role,” added Lopez. “This has led to the establishment of many Latino businesses. The success of these minority-owned businesses in North Central will undoubtedly attract more people, including the minority groups, who see unlimited opportunities for future entrepreneurs.”

Reach out to learn more!

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation
Nicolas Berthet-Garcia
978-353-7600, ext. 223

https://www.northcentralmass.com

Spanish American Center
Mickey Guzman
978-534-3145, ext. 113
https://www.spanishamericancenter.org

Mount Wachusett Community College
Kijah Gordon
413-364-1931

http://www.mwcc.edu

Resource Management, Inc.
Rachel Lopez
800-508-0048

https://rmi-solutions.com/

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