Massachusetts House Bill H2140

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Creating a special legislative commission to study barriers to job retention for low-income workers

Impact

Through its mandate, the proposed commission will investigate various obstacles that low-income workers encounter in securing and maintaining jobs with livable wages. The areas of focus will include existing laws and regulations, potential strategies for improvement, and suggestions for holistic service programs. By producing actionable recommendations, the commission hopes to facilitate better job retention outcomes for low-income individuals, thereby influencing labor and workforce policies across the state.

Summary

House Bill H2140 proposes the establishment of a special legislative commission aimed at studying and making recommendations on barriers to job retention faced by low-income workers in Massachusetts. The bill emphasizes the need for comprehensive analysis and strategic intervention to enhance employment opportunities and sustainability in the jobs market for this demographic. It aims to convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including labor and business community representatives, to ensure that a range of perspectives informs the commission's findings and recommendations.

Contention

Although the bill may generally be viewed as a constructive step towards addressing significant employment challenges, it could bring forth discussions surrounding resource allocation and the efficacy of existing programs aimed at supporting low-income workers. Stakeholders in the labor community may advocate for extensive reforms, while some business representatives may raise concerns about the practicality and cost of implementing the commission's recommended changes. The balance of interests between economic growth and providing adequate support for vulnerable populations will likely be a critical point of contention moving forward.