Statement from James E. Rooney, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
“The Chamber appreciates that legislators passed important bills related to tax reform, wage transparency, and housing this legislative session. These bills made vital progress on improving the Commonwealth’s competitiveness and affordability for residents and businesses. We thank the Governor and the Legislature for prioritizing these important issues.
There is still more work to do. As other states continue to attract talent, investment, and business away from Massachusetts, we must focus on our economic strengths and efforts to position the Commonwealth as the best place to live and do business. It is disappointing that the Mass Leads Act did not emerge from conference committee negotiations, which included critical investments in our leading life sciences industry, climate technology, artificial intelligence, and other economic development efforts. We also believe common sense clean energy siting and permitting reform, supported by both legislative branches and the Governor, should advance quickly given the broad support for action among many stakeholders.
The Chamber remains committed to working with the Healey- Driscoll administration and the Legislature to move forward legislation that will empower and uplift our workforce and businesses,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Statement from Jane Doe Inc.,
the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
"When state lawmakers officially brought their formal session to a close early this morning, dozens of critical issues remained unresolved, including a number of bills that are vital to protecting survivors, preventing sexual assault and domestic violence, and safeguarding communities across Massachusetts.
Among the bills that were not finalized were S. 2821: An Act Establishing a Prison and Jail Construction Moratorium, which would free up essential resources to address the root causes of violence and help curb the over-criminalization of survivors; S. 2694: An Act Relative to Healthy Youth, which would codify comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health and relationship education, including signs of unhealthy, abusive relationships; H. 3084/S. 1990: An Act Relative to Language Access and Inclusion, which would make state systems and resources more accessible to all survivors, including those who identify as Deaf, Hard of Hearing (HH) or with limited English proficiency; and, H. 1918: An Act Relative to Employment Protections for Victims of Abusive Behavior, which would prohibit workplace discrimination against survivors.
In addition, Governor Maura Healey’s FY2024 supplemental budget request, including $20 million in critical funding to bridge the gap in federal Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, support service providers, and help ensure continuity of resources for survivors, remains in conference committee.
These bills will be life-changing and life-saving. Survivors, their families, young people, and everyone in our communities deserve a Legislature that prioritizes the passage of these essential policies. JDI will continue working with the dedicated staff and programs that make up the statewide JDI Coalition, with survivors, and with our partners to advance policies that improve protections and prevent violence. We urge state lawmakers to find a way to get these bills over the finish line without any more delay.”
"When state lawmakers officially brought their formal session to a close early this morning, dozens of critical issues remained unresolved, including a number of bills that are vital to protecting survivors, preventing sexual assault and domestic violence, and safeguarding communities across Massachusetts.
Among the bills that were not finalized were S. 2821: An Act Establishing a Prison and Jail Construction Moratorium, which would free up essential resources to address the root causes of violence and help curb the over-criminalization of survivors; S. 2694: An Act Relative to Healthy Youth, which would codify comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health and relationship education, including signs of unhealthy, abusive relationships; H. 3084/S. 1990: An Act Relative to Language Access and Inclusion, which would make state systems and resources more accessible to all survivors, including those who identify as Deaf, Hard of Hearing (HH) or with limited English proficiency; and, H. 1918: An Act Relative to Employment Protections for Victims of Abusive Behavior, which would prohibit workplace discrimination against survivors.
In addition, Governor Maura Healey’s FY2024 supplemental budget request, including $20 million in critical funding to bridge the gap in federal Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, support service providers, and help ensure continuity of resources for survivors, remains in conference committee.
These bills will be life-changing and life-saving. Survivors, their families, young people, and everyone in our communities deserve a Legislature that prioritizes the passage of these essential policies. JDI will continue working with the dedicated staff and programs that make up the statewide JDI Coalition, with survivors, and with our partners to advance policies that improve protections and prevent violence. We urge state lawmakers to find a way to get these bills over the finish line without any more delay.”
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