The second event in our "Investing in Infrastructure" series focused on energy infrastructure and explored the key challenges facing our region and how federal infrastructure can help address the region's energy needs.

"Investing in Infrastructure: Energy" took place on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. NEC Energy & Environment Committee Chair Mark Kalpin, Partner at Holland & Knight, moderated the discussion. Panelists included:

For more information on this program or the NEC Energy & Environment Committee, please contact Sean Malone.

As COVID-19 restrictions lift and we return to some level of normalcy, the Council is asking members to share feedback on their organization’s policies related to in-person events and meetings, as well as return-to-work plans. The information gathered will help us determine when to resume in-person programming, such as Congressional Roundtable events in New England, and Capitol Conversations breakfasts in Washington, DC. We are grateful to those who have already completed the survey, and encourage all members to participate. The deadline to participate is close of business on Friday, June 4.

If you have any question, please contact Emily Heisig or Larry Zabar.

We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to the team! She can be reached at alokken@newenglandcouncil.com.

Building on a long history of support for federal policies that promote retirement security, the Council recently endorsed the bipartisan Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021. In a letter sent to each member of the New England house delegation on May 19, 2021, the Council outlined the benefits of the proposal and encouraged members of Congress to support the legislation. Introduced earlier in May by House Ways & Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), the bill includes a number of provisions aimed at helping Americans prepare for a secure retirement, regardless of where they are in the retirement savings process.

For more information on this issue, or on the NEC Financial Services Committee, please contact Griffin Doherty.

In a recent letter to the New England Congressional delegation, the Council expressed its support for the “National Coronavirus Commission Act of 2021.” This bipartisan legislation would create an independent, non-partisan commission, closely modeled after the 9/11 Commission that investigated the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, to assess the nation’s pandemic preparedness and response. The commission would also be charged with providing recommendations to improve our country’s readiness for future public health crises. The legislation was introduced in the House in February, and in the Senate in March, where Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) is a lead sponsor. 

For more information on this issue or on the NEC Healthcare Committee, please contact Sean Malone.

In recent weeks, the Council has had several Op-Ed pieces published in regional publications in support of our federal policy advocacy efforts.