The State Legislature’s adoption of the economic development bill today is a major victory for SEIU 509 workers across the Commonwealth.
Our budgets are a reflection of our priorities as a society. As the leading union for Massachusetts family child care providers and human service workers, we know the tremendous care and dedication our members bring to their work day in and day out. Today is recognition that their labor matters and deserves significant investment.
With over $200 million dollars dedicated exclusively to human service worker wages and benefits and $150 million on continued spending on childcare sustainability grants, our legislature is supporting the workforce that cares for the communities that need us most: our children and individuals living with disabilities and mental health conditions.
We owe tremendous thanks to our champions in the State House: Senate President Spilka and Speaker Mariano, as well as the leadership of Ways and Means Chairs Rodrigues and Michlewitz. We are also incredibly grateful to Senators Jamie Eldridge, Cindy Friedman, and Representative John Mahoney for their steadfast support of human service providers and their fight for a living wage.
Today is a significant step towards leveling the playing field for working families. But we know it’s just that: a step. We are eager to partner with the next Governor and the legislature in advocating for permanent investments in human service and care work. We look forward to Governor Baker’s swift passage – and to working together with human service agencies and executives to implement this historic investment.”
_____________________________________
Peter MacKinnon, President, SEIU Local 509
