NEC Notes
August 2020
Welcome
to the August 2020 edition of
The New England Council's E-Newsletter.

Upcoming Virtual Events

A Conversation with GOP Strategist Mike Murphy
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m

Capitol Hill Report with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Click Here to Register

A Conversation with India's Ambassador to the US
Friday, August 14, 2020
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Recent Virtual Events
John Heilemann Headlines 1st Virtual Politics & Eggs
On July 8, 2020, The New England Council and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College presented the first-ever virtual Politics & Eggs program, featuring political journalist and analyst John Heilemann.  Heilemann, who serves as host and producer of Showtime's "The Circus," analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, and Executive Editor of "The Recount," shared his insights on the 2020 Presidential race, including possible Vice Presidential candidates, as well as key Congressional races around the country. 

Recent Virtual Events Feature Boston Mayor, Members of Congress 


While in-person programs remain suspended due to the pandemic, the Council continued to host a variety of virtual programs during the month of June, including our popular  " Capitol Hill Report " virtual event series as well as discussions with other key leaders.  The Council's goal in offering these virtual program is to help our members stay connected with our region's Congressional delegation and other policymakers, and to be informed about the latest developments on Capitol Hill as Congress works to provide relief and economic support amid this crisis.  Recordings of each recent program are available using the links below.
NEC Calls on Congress to Enact Temporary Liability Relief

Council Sends Letter to NE House Delegation Urging Support for Liability Relief
As Congress considers additional measures to provide relief and stimulate economic recovery in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, The New England Council wrote to the region's House delegation on July 27, 2020, encouraging them to support legislation to provide temporary liability relief for businesses and institutions who have followed appropriate public health guidance and requirements. This follows an earlier letter to the region's Senate delegation on June 23, 2020

As noted in the letters, the Council in recent weeks has heard from members across a range of industries about their concerns about frivolous lawsuits, and stressing the need for protections to ensure that the region's essential businesses that remained open during the pandemic are not penalized for their service. At the same time, as more businesses gradually reopen, the Council urged our region's Congressional leaders to support efforts to provide a safe harbor for businesses following public health guidance and taking reasonable precautions during this unprecedented time.

For more information on this issue, please contact Griffin Doherty.
NEC in the News
Recent Op-Eds Highlight Liability Relief Advocacy
In recent weeks, several op-eds written by NEC President & CEO Jim Brett have appeared in publications in the region.  These piece complement the Council's recent federal advocacy for temporary liability relief legislation
Members Invited to Participate in Women's Leadership Study
NEC Partners with The Commonwealth Institute for Third Annual Study
The New England Council is pleased to again partner with The Commonwealth Institute (TCI) on its Women's Leadership Development in Massachusetts 2020 Impact Study, the 3rd annual state-wide study focused on understanding employers' actions to develop, retain, and advance women employees in Massachusetts. New England Council members are invited to participate in the survey.

If you'd like to participate in the research, please email [email protected].  Please note that all responses will remain confidential. The deadline to participate is Friday, August 7, 2020.The Council is proud to be involved with this important initiative for a second year, and encourages members to participate.
Policy Committee Updates
School Infrastructure Discussion with House Education & Workforce Committee Staff
On Wednesday, July 15, 2020, the Council hosted a conference call briefing with Loredana Valtierra, Education Policy Counsel for the House Committee on Education and Labor, focused on the Rebuild and Reopen America's Schools Act. Working on education issues for Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and the Democratic Majority, Ms. Valtierra provided an overview of the legislation, which makes $130 billion in investments to modernize public school infrastructure.
 
For more information on the briefing or the NEC Higher Education Committee, please contact Taylor Pichette.
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Briefing with Sen. Markey's Staff
On Wednesday, July 15, 2020, the NEC Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hosted a conference call briefing with Eric Kashdan, Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Ed Markey (D-MA).  Sen. Markey serves on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the Senate Commerce Committee.  Mr. Kashdan updated members on work in the Senate to advance a bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill, as well as the prospects for a major infrastructure investment package in the Senate, following the House's recent passage of a $1.5 trillion bill.  
 
For more information on this briefing or on the NEC Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, please contact Peter Phipps.
Healthcare Committee Meeting with Rep. Annie Kuster
On Monday, July 20, 2020, the NEC Healthcare Committee hosted a virtual conversation with Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH).  Congresswoman Kuster is a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, where she sits on the Health Subcommittee.  The Congresswoman updated members on the latest progress toward additional COVID-19 relief legislation, particularly as it relates to the healthcare industry.  She also discussed her work as the co-chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, including the task force's 2020 legislative agenda, which was released earlier this year.
 
For more information on this program or the NEC Healthcare Committee, please contact Sean Malone.  

Sen. Hassan's Staff Briefs Healthcare Committee 
The Healthcare Committee also hosted a briefing conference call on Thursday, July 23, 2020, with Ian Hunter, who serves as Health Policy Advisor in the Office of U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH).  Sen. Hassan is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee.  Mr. Hunter briefed members on healthcare related items that may be included in the next round of COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus legislation.  
 
For more information on this briefing or on the NEC Healthcare Committee, please contact Sean Malone.
Member News From Our Blog
Membership Update
July New Members
Please join us in welcoming the following new members, who joined the Council in July: