Making news in business
LEAP graduates 21 regional leaders
FLORENCE Despite a difficult year, there was nothing but laughter and smiles when Leadership Pioneer Valley hosted the graduation ceremony for its regional leadership development program, LEAP.
This year’s group of 21 professionals from area businesses, nonprofits and the public sector was able to gather at the Look Park Garden House in Florence for the celebration. This graduation came after an intense, condensed program conducted mainly virtually with a few outdoor learning experiences this spring.
Graduates from Hampshire County include: Jocelyn Alvord of Florence, with Greenfield Savings Bank; Lisa Brecher of South Hadley with Center for Human Development; David Feinstein of Amherst with The Eric Carle Museum; Doug Hall of Amherst with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission; Farid Kaymaram of Amherst of Hampshire Mosque volunteer; and Erin O’Neil of Hadley of New England Public Media.
Legislature acts to safeguard unemployment benefits
FROM NEWS REPORTS
The Massachusetts House and Senate have enacted comprehensive legislation to safeguard unemployment benefits, limit rate increases for employers, provide tax relief for lower income jobseekers and exempt small businesses from state taxes on federal relief grants.
“These measures will offer much need relief to workers, employers and small businesses, said Rep. Josh S. Cutler, D-Pembroke, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. At the same time, we’re also taking critical steps to help safeguard our unemployment insurance system for the long term.”
The legislation, which is now on Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk, prevents a sharp spike in unemployment insurance rates that was set to hit employers this quarter. Absent any legislative action, the typical small business would have seen their average annual unemployment insurance cost rise from $539 to $866 per employee. In additi
Rep. Josh S. Cutler named chair of Labor Committee
Community Content
PEMBROKE Rep. Josh S. Cutler has been appointed House Chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
The committee has purview over a broad range of labor and employment policy, including unemployment insurance, paid family leave, worker safety, worker’s compensation, collective bargaining, workforce training, and wage and hour laws.
“I’m honored to be appointed to this key post by Speaker Mariano and my House colleagues,” said Rep. Cutler. “These are critical issues in any year, but especially now as we work to recover from the pandemic, and in some cases reimagine the role of the workplace.”
Legislators call for more vaccination sites in Southeast Massachusetts
Wicked Local
BOSTON – Chair of the Southeastern Massachusetts Legislative Caucus Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, D-Taunton, has announced that 26 legislators have called for more vaccination sites in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The following legislators have signed onto a letter calling for the sites: Senators Michael D. Brady, Mark C. Montigny, Susan L. Moran, Rebecca L. Rausch, and Walter F. Timilty, and Representatives Antonio F. D. Cabral, Claire D. Cronin, Josh S. Cutler, David F. DeCoste, Angelo L. D Emilia, Carol A. Doherty, Carole A. Fiola, Susan Williams Gifford, Patricia A. Haddad, Christopher Hendricks, Steven S. Howitt, Kathleen R. LaNatra, Norman J. Orrall, Adam J. Scanlon, Paul A. Schmid, III, Alan Silvia, William M. Straus, Alyson M. Sullivan, Timothy R. Whelan, and Steven G. Xiarhos.
COMMUNITY CONTENT
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council has unanimously selected Rep. Josh S. Cutler, D-Pembroke, as their 2020 Legislator of the Year. He will be honored at the group’s annual legislative reception to be held virtually this March.
The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council is an independent state agency that supports people with developmental disabilities and their families. Its mission is to help create opportunities for individuals to lead successful lives in their communities, support inclusive education and create greater employment opportunities.
Cutler, who serves as vice-chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, has led an effort to promote disability hiring practices and remove barriers to employment.