MWA Leads, Advocates, and Convenes on Behalf of the
Massachusetts Workforce Development System
In this edition of the Quarterly Voice, we highlight the end of the Legislature's formal sessions for 2021-2022. Since this session began in January 2021, we have seen historic state investments in workforce development. During this time, MWA participated in more than 75 legislative meetings, held two virtual workforce advocacy days, and engaged in countless meetings with the Administration. Together, we have helped ensure almost $190M in state workforce funding in the FY23 budget, including a historic $15M commitment to the career center line item (representing more than a 300% increase since FY19). Read below for more information about the jammed packed final days of the legislative session and what work remains for the Legislature.

As we enter the fall, MWA is engaged in a visioning exercise in order to present our vision and recommendations for the next Administration. Look for more details and opportunities to provide feedback soon!

Thank you for being a valued member of MWA.

Best,
Tonja and Raija
MWA Achieves Legislative Victories
2021/2022 Formal Legislative Session Comes to a Close with a Marathon Twenty-Three Hour Session
State House
The end of formal sessions, which occurs on July 31st every other year, are typically a busy time for the Legislature, with a flurry of activity as the House and Senate try to wrap up all remaining bills. The end of the 2021-2022 formal legislative session, which lasted 23-hours, was no exception.
 
Leading up to the last 10 days of session, there were 12 bills in active conference committees including:
  • General Bond and Judiciary IT Bond Bills
  • Energy and Climate Bill
  • Reproductive Rights Bill
  • Veterans and Military Families and Soldiers’ Home Reform Bills
  • Cannabis Reforms Bill
  • Sports Betting Bill
  • Mental Health Access Bill
  • Open Space Preservation Bill
  • Economic Development Bill
 
With negotiations continuing into the early morning on August 1st, House and Senate leaders worked diligently to finalize as many of these bills as possible. When they finally gaveled out of session at a little after 10:00am on August 1st, all bills had been passed and sent to the Governor’s desk except for the Economic Development Bill and the Open Space Preservation Bill. Click below to read a full session recap and learn about important workforce provisions in these bills.
NEW TRAINING FOR MASSHIRE STAFF
MWA is partnering with MDCS and Advocates for Human Potential for a 4-part virtual series designed to help MassHire Staff better serve customers in recovery. This training is open to all state and local MassHire staff. Those who attend all sessions will receive a certificate of completion. See the flyer below for more information.
  • Thursday, October 6th, 11AM - 12PM: Overview of Addictions
  • Thursday, October 13th, 11AM - 12PM: Understanding the Continuum of Care
  • Thursday, October 20th, 11AM - 12PM: Recovery is Possible
  • Thursday, October 27th, 11AM - 12PM: Communication Skills
BOARD ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Two New Individuals Join MWA Board
MWA is pleased to announce that Bobby Tugbiyele, CEO of The Leap Network, and Vera Sostre, Area Director of Training & Human Resources at Marriott, joined MWA's Board of Directors this past spring. Thank you to the MassHire Greater Lowell Career Center and the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board for nominating Bobby and Vera!

If you know anyone who would be a good fit from your region to work with us, please fill out a brief nomination form telling us about them here. A description of what this work entails can be found here. Feel free to contact Tonja or Raija with any questions.
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