Restaurants are a major backbone of Cape Ann’s economy. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has injured our local tourism industry. In the coming months, I pledge to work diligently to help our local tourism and cultural businesses and organizations. Today, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass legislation that provides more tools for the restaurants…
Today, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito provided an update on the Reopening Massachusetts plan and preparations for Phase II. On June 6th, the Administration will determine the start date, no sooner than June 8th, of Phase II based on public health metrics. On Monday, Governor Baker will issue an executive order with a more…
Last week, Speaker Robert A. DeLeo announced the creation of the House’s Early Education and Care Recovery Advisory Group, which will take on the challenge of childcare in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and gradual economic reopening. I am proud to report that Speaker DeLeo has appointed me as a co-chair of the group…
Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to fund a $36 million COVID-19 Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program. Fisheries, farms, and other local food system businesses will be eligible for grants under the program to help them adapt to disruptions and to allow them to provide greater access to local food. Over the past several…
Last week, Governor Baker announced the creation of the Reopening Advisory Board, a 17-member advisory board to discuss the needs of the business community in order to open safely. I am honored to share that Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo has selected me to monitor the deliberations of the Reopening Advisory Board…
“We are in the surge.” That was what Governor Baker said at his press conference on Wednesday. The “surge” refers to the influx that is expected to put health care workers and emergency medical providers under tremendous stress as those diagnosed with COVID-19 seek treatment. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been expecting this surge in…
Today, Governor Baker announced details for the initial implementation of federal unemployment benefits in the CARES Act, the federal based COVID-19 relief package. This federal program, enacted on March 27, 2020, will be administered by states. Today’s announcement reflects the first set of partial guidance that Massachusetts will immediately implement to support unemployed workers. The…
Congress passed COVID-19 relief legislation last week, which has now been signed by the president. The newsletter we sent out last week contained an overview of the legislation. Three specific parts of that legislation will be particularly relevant to our small businesses and workers: Direct rebates: The CARES Act provides a $1,200 rebate to individuals and heads of households and $2,400…
