Senate to Host Listening Session on Economic Recovery, Reinvestment, and Workforce – hcam.tv

The Massachusetts State Senate will engage in a listening session hosted by Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Senator Eric P. Lesser, Senator Patricia D. Jehlen, and Senator Adam G. Hinds on Massachusetts economic recovery, reinvestment and workforce on Friday, June 12 beginning at 11AM.

As we reopen the states economy, the Senate remains focused on the actions we need to take to support residents, businesses and communities, stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). This listening session, the first in a series, will serve as an important tool to address the many challenges we will face as a result of COVID-19. I want to thank my colleagues Senators Lesser, Jehlen, Hinds, and their committee members for their collaboration in gathering this session. I am equally thankful to those in the Administration, and our businesses and labor sectors for their participation in this important effort.

It is vital that we hear from the people in the community that are experiencing the economic impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak as well as other members of the administration who may provide valuable insight, said Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow). We are facing an unprecedented time with nearly 1 million individuals out of work across the Commonwealth, and these conversations will help inform how we can work together on recovery efforts as a Legislature and as a state.

The listening session will be a chance for the Senate to hear from the administration, labor, the business community, and other important stakeholders as we continue the discussion on the future of the Commonwealth's economy and workforce. This listening session will aim to help inform the Senates work on an economic development and jobs bill and what is needed to put people back to work and stimulate Massachusetts economy.

"As we begin to re-open Massachusetts, my constituents, my colleagues, and I have many questions about what recovery will look like, said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville). The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 shutdown were felt deeply across many industries from restaurants to healthcare and we need to be very intentional about supporting people more than ever."

COVID has created incredible challenges for the Commonwealth, but it has also revealed many shortcomings in our society, said Senator Adam G. Hinds (D-Pittsfield). We must prepare for the new normal and these sessions are central to that process.

Below is the full agenda:11AM-12PM Retail and restaurantsJon Hurst, Massachusetts Retailers AssociationBob Luz, Massachusetts Restaurants Association

12PM-1PM Administration and Reopening Advisory BoardSecretary Kennealy, Executive Office of Housing and Economic DevelopmentSecretary Acosta, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

1-2PM LaborTim Foley, SEIU 1199Carlos Aramayo, Unite HereYamila Ruiz, One Fair Wage

2PM-3PM BusinessJohn Regan, Associated Industries of MassachusettsSegun Idowu, Black Economic Council of MassachusettsJim Rooney, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

3-4PM Unemployment InsuranceMonica Halas, Greater Boston Legal Services

Fridays listening session will be broadcast on the malegislature.gov website.

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Senate to Host Listening Session on Economic Recovery, Reinvestment, and Workforce - hcam.tv