E-Newsletter
An Electronic Publication of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Fall 2024 Goverment Affairs Update
Federal Affairs:
In May, the Chamber participated in Small Business Day on Beacon Hill, meeting with a number of our region’s delegation about our legislative priorities and small business concerns. Pictured left to right: State Representative Meg Kilcoyne; State Representative Natalie Higgins; Chamber President & CEO, Roy Nascimento; Chamber member and owner of ECi Stores, Neil Abramson; and State Representative Mike Kushmerek.
As we approach the fall, attention is focused on Washington D.C. ahead of the November election. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Lori Trahan are running unopposed. For the Senate, incumbent Senator Elizabeth Warren will face a Republican challenger, to be determined by the Republican primary in early September. We will closely monitor the policies of the winning Presidential administration to assess their potential impact on the business community when they take office in January.
We’re pleased to announce our annual Congressional Luncheon event on Thursday, October 17th at 11:30 am at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Leominster. Both Congressman McGovern and Congresswoman Trahan will be in attendance. We extend our gratitude to our premier sponsor, Fitchburg State University, and supporting sponsor, Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc., for their generous support.
State Affairs:
Budget: Following tradition, Beacon Hill agreed on a $57.8 billion budget after the start of the new Fiscal Year, with Governor Healey signing it in late July. The Governor’s $317 million veto overrides remained in place as formal sessions concluded.
Economic Development: At the time of this writing, lawmakers are expected to return to Beacon Hill to address the proposed economic development bond bill which did not pass during formal session. The House and Senate have released separate versions of the proposed bill which, depending on a compromise, would include billions of dollars in bond authorizations and tax credits along with the reauthorization of the state’s life sciences initiative, hundreds of millions in MassWorks public infrastructure grants, $99 million for advanced manufacturing, and a potential reintroduction of Happy Hour.
Education: The budget continues to fund the Student Opportunity Act with $6.86 billion, a 4% increase over FY24. Fair Share funds will be used to make community college free for all. Investments continue in programs helping high school students earn industry-recognized credentials and in pathways and early college initiatives.
Housing: A housing bond bill was passed to address the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. Secretary Ed Augustus estimates this legislation will lead to the creation of over 45,000 new units and the preservation of 27,000 housing units. The $5.15 billion bonding bill offers new tax credits for companies converting unused commercial buildings, doubles the tax credit for rehabilitating historic buildings, and allows accessory dwelling units by-right.
Wage Equity: New legislation (H. 4890) requires employers with 25 or more employees to disclose pay ranges in job postings and provide pay range information for promotions, transfers, and upon request. The Attorney General’s Office will conduct a public awareness campaign and has enforcement authority, including the ability to impose fines for violations.
Election Season: In addition to the Presidential election, State Representative and State Senator positions will be on the November ballot, with several regional delegation members facing contested elections.
We invite you to our Legislative and Candidates Reception, one of our most exciting annual events. It provides community members the opportunity to engage with current elected officials and candidates. The event, supported by premier sponsor Mount Wachusett Community College and supporting sponsor Open Sky Community Services, will be held at the Chocksett Inn in Sterling on Thursday, September 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
Ballot Questions: The Chamber is particularly concerned about Ballot Questions 2 and 5:
- Question 2 would remove the statewide high school graduation requirement to pass the 10th grade MCAS standardized test without offering a uniform alternative standard. We believe this could lower education standards at a critical time.
- Question 5 proposes eliminating the tip credit. We have serious concerns about its potential impact on tipped employees and restaurants, key drivers of our local economy. Currently, all workers in Massachusetts, including tipped employees, are guaranteed to earn at least the $15 minimum wage. A recent survey showed that 86% of tipped employees prefer the current system, and a coalition of tipped employees has endorsed a NO vote on this question.
For questions or concerns regarding the Chamber’s public policy efforts, please contact Travis Condon, our public affairs manager, at 978.353.7600, ext. 224, or via email at .
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