Senate to Host Listening Session on Economic Recovery, Reinvestment, and Workforce Amid COVID-19

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 state’s 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 Senate’s 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 restaurants

  • Jon Hurst, Massachusetts Retailers Association

  • Bob Luz, Massachusetts Restaurants Association

12PM-1PM – Administration and Reopening Advisory Board

  • Secretary Kennealy, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

  • Secretary Acosta, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development 

1-2PM – Labor 

  • Tim Foley, SEIU 1199

  • Carlos Aramayo, Unite Here

  • Yamila Ruiz, One Fair Wage

2PM-3PM – Business

  • John Regan, Associated Industries of Massachusetts

  • Segun Idowu, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts

  • Jim Rooney, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

3-4PM – Unemployment Insurance

  • Monica Halas, Greater Boston Legal Services

 Friday’s listening session will be broadcast on the malegislature.gov website.

Sarah Blodgett