Speaker DeLeo Invokes Spirit of Partnership;
Outlines Measures to Bolster Massachusetts’ Economy
Calls
for pregnant worker protections, new substance addiction fund and investments
in behavioral health; announces UMass cost-sharing program to benefit local
companies
(BOSTON) – Speaking today before the
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D –
Winthrop) backed a plan to ensure significant protections for pregnant women, announced
a cost-sharing program at UMass research facilities, and proposed increased
investments in children’s mental health services.
Throughout his remarks, Speaker DeLeo
referenced Massachusetts’ enduring spirit of collaboration between the government,
non-profit, business, and higher education sectors – a tradition that has
propelled the state’s economic and social standing. DeLeo also highlighted the
House’s philosophy “as arbiters of compromise.”
In announcing that the House will soon take up
the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Speaker DeLeo said “we will advance our
legacy of translating worthy ideas into workable legislation.” The Pregnant
Workers Fairness Act provides essential guarantees and safety measures for
pregnant employees including food, water and restroom breaks, and accommodations
for nursing needs. It also requires businesses to engage in a collaborative
process with their employees to determine effective and reasonable
accommodations.
Last month, Speaker DeLeo’s Early
Education and Care (EEC) Business Advisory Group released its findings and
emphasized the importance of supporting the EEC workforce. To maximize the full
potential of the EEC investments planned by the House, Speaker DeLeo highlighted
the need to address behavioral health issues early on. He proposed doubling funding for Early Childhood Mental Health Grants to help
children at a vulnerable stage when a gap in diagnosis and treatment often exists.
At Speaker DeLeo’s 2016
address to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce he launched the Bay State
Business Link (BSBL), a joint initiative with GBCC that encourages B2B collaboration across all regions of the Commonwealth and seeks
to expand the circle of prosperity beyond Greater Boston. Spurred by a
discussion at the December BSBL forum, the House will fund a $2 million
cost-sharing partnership to subsidize the cost for local businesses to use
UMass labs and equipment. The program aims to support organizations as they
seek to get off the ground, grow, or modernize, while at the same time
connecting faculty and students with local companies.
In implementing the new
marijuana law - a potential $1.1 billion industry - the House, through the
Marijuana Committee, will engage in a thorough process examining the proper
revenue and governance options for the industry. Speaker DeLeo reviewed
numerous facets of implementation and unveiled a plan to use marijuana revenue
to combat substance addiction.
“We have a rare opportunity
to deploy a new tactic to fight what has become the fastest growing killer of
young adults,” he said. “Aided by the state proceeds of marijuana, we will
create the Substance Addiction Fund dedicated to addiction and recovery
efforts.”
Faced with unprecedented
uncertainty and fear in the wake of the Trump Presidency, Speaker DeLeo said
the House would protect state residents and help blunt the impact of “Twitter
Trumpisms” and executive excesses.
“To help the House assemble an accurate snapshot of how the Administration’s flurry of activity is impacting our state, we will create a House inter-committee working group. The group will engage with House members, delve into data, and help determine what legislative solutions are necessary and feasible.”
Even amidst the new federal
climate, Massachusetts will flourish.
“We in Massachusetts have
never waited for the world. We act and wait for the world to catch up to us.”
沒有留言:
發佈留言