CWU Advocacy Update

Business and union leaders, higher education advocates, elected officials and students were among those who gave their unqualified support of the CWU-initiated Workers' Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Act at a recent legislative hearing in September.

"As an employer, it is particularly frustrating to have employees who have the potential to advance to higher paying positions and who have the desire to advance to these positions, but who lack the requisite skills necessary to do the job," testified Edward Lappen, chief executive officer of Lappen Auto Supply Co.

"Moreover, given the barriers that exist for individuals of low socio-economic backgrounds to complete advanced degrees and programs, the chances of these individuals ever being able to step up to these jobs is very low. This bill directly addresses this issue."

Lappen spoke before the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities at its September 15th hearing on the Workers' Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Act (SB 37).

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, the Wellesley Center for Women and other individuals and organizations submitted written testimony in favor of the bill.

Senate Bill 37: The Workers' Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Act includes:

• Funding for the Educational Rewards Grant Program for working adults, including college grants and student support services; and


• Improvements in Department of Transitional Assistance policies and procedures that will encourage the pursuit of vocational education training by public assistance recipients.

"...one of the biggest barriers to going back to school was affording the cost...and providing for my family. The Educational Rewards Grant program made it possible for me...to reach my goals." Testimony of Stacy Williams, single mother of a 15-year-old son.

If you are interested in joining our Workers' Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Coalition to support efforts to increase access to education and training for low-income and unemployed adults, please contact me at clettieri@liveworkthrive.org or 617.259.2936.

Chelsea Lettieri
Public Policy Coordinator
Crittenton Women's Union