HD 533 creates a new "workforce skills cabinet" within the governor's office to coordinate education, workforce development, and housing policies. The cabinet, composed of agency leaders and appointed business and workforce representatives, will align career pathways, conduct biennial program reviews for equity, and produce annual labor market reports. School districts receive funding awards ($1,000 per student for high-demand certifications, $800 for regional ones) to support career-focused programs, with 80% of funds directed to specific schools. The bill requires annual reporting on student participation, certification types earned, and program funding effectiveness, focusing on low-income, ELL, and SPED students. It directly affects Massachusetts public school districts and students seeking industry-recognized certifications.
This bill creates a new "veteran employment and reemployment rights division" within the state inspector general's office to assist military service members and veterans facing workplace issues after service. The division will employ intake officers, investigators, and mediators to handle disputes related to employment or reemployment rights under federal law (USERRA). Key mechanisms include gathering evidence from veterans and employers, investigating potential violations, and offering mediation to resolve conflicts before referring unresolved cases to the attorney general. It directly affects service members and veterans encountering employment challenges due to military service, providing a dedicated state resource to enforce their federal protections.
This bill creates a Massachusetts Bridge Employment Training Program (BET) administered by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. It directly affects unemployed or underemployed Massachusetts residents who lost jobs within six weeks or are deemed employable. The program establishes training contracts (IETCs) for up to two years, matching participants with job opportunities in private, non-profit, and public sectors through coordinated training and placement. The goal is to provide accessible skills training to improve individual economic outcomes and support the state's workforce needs.
This bill (HD 2436) expands apprenticeship opportunities in Massachusetts' green energy, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, and green building industries. It requires the state Division of Apprenticeship to develop industry-specific training, create regional advisory boards, and prioritize underrepresented groups (women, minorities, veterans, people with disabilities) for apprenticeships. Employers participating in these programs receive tax credits ($5,000 per apprentice completing 1,000+ hours) and state subsidies for wages and training costs, provided they demonstrate diversity commitments. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign promoting apprenticeships as debt-free career paths and annual reports tracking program participation, effectiveness, and regional impacts.
HD 3410 requires Massachusetts' Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, working with Education and Economic Development leaders, to produce an annual report analyzing current and projected workforce needs for the next five years. The report must include recommendations for policies and investments to address future job gaps, progress on career training programs in schools and industries, and data on skills required for key sectors. This report must be published publicly and submitted to the governor, state agencies, and legislative committees by December 31 each year to guide future workforce planning and funding decisions.
By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1367) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a standard for prevention of heat illness in outdoor public sector workers. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1309) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to establish forthwith a minimum wage for employees of airline catering companies. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1357) of Mark C. Montigny and Jason M. Lewis for legislation to establish protections for workers in hot conditions. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1324) of Paul R. Feeney and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to update overtime salary thresholds and codifying definitions to protect middle-class workers. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Representative McKenna of Sutton and Senator Fattman, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2146) of Joseph D. McKenna, Ryan C. Fattman and Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida relative to employment protections for domestic violence victims. Labor and Workforce Development.
