CHICOPEE — On Sept. 30, the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce hosted a workforce development-focused listening session with the full Chicopee delegation in attendance.
Those delegates included state Sens. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) and John Velis (D-Westfield), as well as state Reps. Shirley Arriaga (D-Chicopee), Pat Duffy (D-Holyoke) and Michael Finn (D-West Springfield.)
Mayor John Vieau took a minute before the discussion started to talk how instrumental it is for Chicopee to be represented by so many “great” delegates.
He said, “We’re very fortunate in Chicopee to be represented by six [delegates] and a group that actually really cares. I’m excited for the delegation and the opportunity for people to ask them some questions and get some answers. I can say that as mayor, I’m very fortunate to have a team that represents us on Beacon Hill that cares about Western Massachusetts. They care about Chicopee and they care about the community and the people who live here.”
The event was designed to be an opportunity for the business community to share with the delegation any issues, questions or wins around workforce development from recruitment and retention to training resources and more.
Some attendees shared statements, while others posed questions or concerns they would like the delegation to add to their agenda.
The event was moderated by Sunshine Village Executive Director Gina Kos who also brought up a few issues she wanted to bring to the delegates attention.
Representatives from multiple businesses and organizations who took the time to speak included those from Chicopee Industrial Contractors, WestMass ElderCare, Elms College, Sunshine Village, Springfield Technical Community College, Working Fields, Chicopee Public Schools Career and Technical Education program and the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce.
Although a couple speakers expressed success of their business or organization, many shared a different concern including the education system, job retention, the impact of the newest Massachusetts emissions legislation impact on one business, the fall literacy rates, minimum wage compared to a living wage, affordable housing vs. workforce housing and the affects of state-paid jobs.
Each state legislator expressed their gratitude for everyone who came out and discussed each issue and ways they can try to fix it.
Oliveira talked about how some of the issues discussed relate to each other including job retention.
“When we look at the barriers for people getting employed and staying employed, and showing up to work, it’s making sure they have things like childcare, it’s making sure they have comprehensive early childhood education where they can have and thrive which can impact the literacy rate. Things like transportation are massive barriers for people to get a job and keep a job. There are issues when you look at [paid family and medical leave] what are the root causes and why are people take so much time. A lot of it has to do with living costs, a lot of it has to do with substance abuse, a lot of it has to do with long term care of a family member. Each one of those issues the Legislature and this Legislature try to tackle whether through the budget act we passed,” he said.
Oliveira added that Massachusetts making community college tuition-free in the state is also a game-changer.
Velis talked about the education system as well.
He said, “I think that K through 12 education needs to drastically change. I don’t think that K through 12 education is preparing our students for that next dynamic economy. I’m not talking about this in the MCAS context, I’m talking about right now. The students who are in school right now, the way that this economy is changing, the way the next economy is going to look. I don’t think they’re being prepared in my opinion.”
Arriaga said she and her colleagues are always available to listen to residents’ concerns and always trying to help.
She said, “My colleagues and I, as you can imagine, we are having these conversations day in, day out throughout each session. I appreciate everyone who came out. These issues are valid, and I thank all of you for attending. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us outside of this. Let us know how we can give help. There’s a lot of things we need to address.”
