2021-03-16 00:00:00 - Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
2021-03-16 00:00:00 - Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
(Part 3 of 3)
SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
I think we're going to move on to the next panel; I need to let folks know is I've been sort of liberal with time. Here, try to narrow in that a little bit, because it is 1:35 actually, 1:37. So we are now, a half hour, almost 40 minutes over the time that we originally allotted for the hearing. So I would ask everybody to be concise because, as you know, that requires not to answers. If you have written testimony, please send it to us. Please be short and sweet to the point. About three minutes would be nice. Um, as I said at the beginning, the hearing. I don't like to limit55 necessarily people, but also, uh, you have to, um, move on and allow. Everybody has signed up to really be part of this public hearing, um, in terms of, uh, the equity across the state. I think that's I mean, that's an important issue that came up in this in this hearing, nobody is. Nobody is saying that Holyoke or Charles C. Then of course they do. But I think it's important all these matters to come to the forefront. And then this is a time also for the administration to begin to look at other regions of the state and begin right this ship to really provide services that our veterans need and deserve. Okay, so we're gonna begin with Bill.
That's LeBow. Mr. Chairman LeBow hearing testimony. Okay. Okay.112 Bill LeBow, please.
BILL LEBEAU - VFW - Mr. Chairman I'm the State adjutant for the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Massachusetts. I'm representing almost 20,000 combat veterans and another123 5000 auxiliary family members for the VFW. We are here to strongly support this bill. This is long overdue and in the conversations that you're having, I got to absolutely We concur with what Senator Velis is talking about. But I'll tell you, the VFW is well aware of all of the areas of the state. We have Post stretched out across the state. 162 of them. And in eastern Massachusetts, east of 495, we have for veterans long term care Bedford, Brockton, Chelsea and some other nursing homes. We have Northampton and Holyoke. And then the second largest demographic of the state, the second largest metropolitan area, which is Worcester, his zero long term federally or state government facilities.
There's private nursing homes, which Secretary Sudders has talked about. But you've got that whole area, and at least the third or a half of Worcester County is relying on the Holyoke Soldiers Home for services. We've got almost 50,000 veterans that live just in Worcester County. When you add up the other four counties that are west of that, you can see that there's a tremendous need out there. So what we see here at the VFW is we need to upgrade our services across the state. But this project is what they call214 shovel ready. We're ready to go. And if we pass out on the pass on this opportunity right now, you're going to be telling the residents that live in Holyoke in that soldiers home, that they have to wait this much longer to get a building that needs to be improved upon now, yesterday, 20 years ago.
Uh, it's what that family member talked about with the loss of her dad. There was a lot of things touched on there. And I have that question and I know the commander who is also listening in on this has the same question. We want to know how the heck a veteran under all that extra care from the pandemic caught scabies in that facility. That's a huge testimony, and if that's true, we need to look into that. Find out if that's actually factual. And if it is, we need to look at that. And it's another reason why this project has to go forward. It's 65% funded by the feds. We see that that makes it less in the end state costs to the Chelsea project, and it needs to be done yesterday.
The quibbling about you know, what needs in the Southeast and those projects, even if we started planning right now, are going to be behind the Holyoke project. We have four upgrading care across the state, but as far as right now, this projects in front of us, let's get it done. It's the right thing to do. I think everybody, if you dig deep in your hearts, will know that this is the right thing to do for our aging veteran population. Thank you for our testimony and we'll be submitting written testimony forward, Mr. Chairman.
REP CABRAL - Thank you, Bill. I think I think it's important at this point to remind people this is not about Holyoke versus anybody else. This is about Holyoke today. It's important that these matters are being brought up in a public hearing. Uh, that that's That means there's a lot more work that needs to be done by this administration and other organizations to address the needs of all veterans as well in other parts of the state. I think that's that's well, it's been loud and clear in this public hearing. It doesn't take away from the need of Charles, I mean on for Holyoke and how fast we should move forward on this particular project. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you, Bill. Uh, we're gonna go to doubtful current Mara. Benny.
I think I got that right. Right. Barboni is correct. Thank you, Mr Chairman. I think the bar Bonnie, I'm371 same as the former superintendent.
DELFANO BARABANI - VVA - HR 64 - Um, today I represent the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 111, and I'm also a member of the American Legion Post 353 and the Deputy Grand Knight of Elder Council 69. I live in Chicopee Massachusetts. In 1952 I was nine years old, and I vaguely recollect the display of elation that was demonstrated by the men who marched up the hill to the new soldiers home in Holyoke. This building was there to provide care for our veterans. And it had been impressed upon me by my father that those who served deserved that respect. For many years my father would on Monday evening bring 16 millimeter films to entertain those being cared for413 at the home. In 1968 I returned from Vietnam, having served in the United417 States Army. I was a veteran.
I began to volunteer at the home. Upon retiring, I became fully involved, participating in picnics, Christmas parties, bingos and birthday parties. At the birthday parties, we would distribute ice cream that was coming from a ice cream cart that had been in service since the beginning of the home, and it was delivering439 soft and hard, ice-cream. So I approached my organizations and we've made replacement of that cart. In 2011, a new superintendent came to the home. I felt good that this retired United States Army colonel with a master's degree in business administration and five years experience as the chief to the chief of staff of the VA medical center in Northampton, was taking control of this aging facility.
Like the 16 millimeter films and the ice cream cart the building had served the veterans well and was now in need of updating Paul Barabani developed a plan to update the home, and this plan received VA approval. What was lacking was the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' commitment to cover the remaining cost. Unable to obtain the resources necessary to make the home what it was promised to be, Superintendent Barabani retired with this plan still approved at VA and without Massachusetts funding. The result of this failure is the Commonwealth with the Commonwealth Act was the tragic events of the COVID-19 virus. So many veterans lost some were my friends. I have members in my organizations that are going to be seeking help at the home, health effects of their service. The Vietnam era Agent Orange. The Baron pits the exposure in the deserts and whatever is coming. These people are going to need help. So I urge that this HR 64 be passed. Thank you for your time. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you. By the way, our chapter of the Vietnam vets in New Bedford area is 499.
I'm from the Western Mass. Chapter. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much. Steve Connor.
Whoop, Brian. Well, yes, sir.
BRIAN WILLETTE - MOPH - HB 64 - Uh, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and the committee, um, for holding this hearing today. Uh, first of all, I want to thank General Keith and and and my fellow Afghanistan veteran John Velis for, uh, highlighting, uh, some of the today's some of the activities on today's battlefield. The injuries SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
could identify reach association? Absolutely. And where you live? Yes, sir.
WILLETTE -I'm the state commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Massachusetts. I live in South Hadley, and I represent the the interests of Purple Heart recipients all over the state as well as veterans at large. So again, I want to I want to thank, uh, Senator Velis and in General Keith for outlining the situation621 on the modern battlefield. The injuries sustained posttraumatic stress disorder, the amputations, the traumatic brain injuries and the role of women on today's battlefield. I served in Afghanistan in 2011 and was wounded there in September of that year. My son was also wounded in Afghanistan in 2011. And, uh, the Military Order of the Purple Heart is unique among all veteran organizations. That our membership is comprised entirely of veterans who are wounded in action at the hand of the enemy and awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice.
I'm proud to say that, 75 the Western Massachusetts Chapter which meets at the soldiers home and has since 2013, is the fourth largest chapter of Purple Heart recipients in the United States. So it's a point of pride for us and that soldiers home means a lot to us. The Military Order of the Purple Heart MOPH Department of Massachusetts strongly supports the immediate passage of H 64. Any deviation from the agreed plan set forth in H 64 will be a betrayal of trust by the legislators that will negatively impact our oldest and dearest veterans in the Commonwealth in need of care with dignity. Any deviation from H 64 will also be a betrayal by the legislators of that good faith process by which H 64 was created.
The plan at this time, this plan and time sensitive bond bill was painstakingly created through a proper study and extensive deliberations of the Soldiers Home Coalition, local and state legislators, veteran organizations, the Soldiers Home board of trustees and the members of the Baker and Polito Administration. This plan was agreed upon and again in good faith. The Military Order of the Purple Heart is called the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, our home since 2013. We have held our regular meetings there and conducted many ceremonies until the outbreak of the COVID-19 in March of 2020. We have been honored to have numerous residents of the soldiers home Purple Heart recipients as active members of our order.
Our members have participated in birthday parties, bingo and other recreation activities in regard to the home's residents more as members of our extended family. The Military Order Purple Heart has long advocated for a new soldiers home in Holyoke. We believe major reconstruction is needed775 to address the deficiencies documented the soldiers home in which the MOPH believes were contributing factors that resulted in the COVID-19 outbreak in the soldiers home last year. After one of the worst COVID-19 tragedies in the nation, we call in our state to move forward and build a new soldier song. This will ensure that our veterans will be honored and the promise of dignity for those who have borne the battle shall be kept.
We call on the members of the General Court to support the governor's bill and the administration's plan to capitalize on this opportunity to make things right. Right for the veterans family members, dedicated staff and our future generation of veterans that deserve a new soldiers home in Holyoke. This is a shovel ready project and must be our first priority. With the passage of H 64 we can go forward together without delay. And that is the position of the MOPH. On a personal note, I'm also837 a life member, the Disabled American Veterans and couldn't disagree more with the testimony I heard today from the DAV. With that, I open it up for questions. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you,847 Brian. We're gonna move on to Steve Carter.849 In the end, if somebody has questions, we'll ask questions at the end Thank you. She's coming.
STEVE CONNOR - CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE VETERAN SERVICES - Hi. Thank856 you Chairman Cabral and Chairman Pacheco for letting me speak. I am Steve Connor. I'm the director of Central Hampshire Veteran Services. The main office is located in Northampton. Uh, I and our office covers 11 communities throughout Hampshire County and one into Hampden County. I have been on the job for 17, over 17 years now and countless times have I, um, help families with enrollment into the Holyoke Soldiers Home. Four of those veterans that I had helped get in there passed away during the COVID-19, um, tragedy. And it weighs very heavy on me and905 my counterparts around Western Massachusetts who have also assisted veterans to get in there.
I was very curious when we first, when everything first happened. And, um, things began to calm down what it would be like and who would want to still go into the Holyoke Soldiers Home. And what927 I found was is, by early June, I had already had three requests of veterans wanting to get into the soldiers home. It's a unique place. I won't, since time is short go into all of my prepared942 statement. But just the camaraderie that happens, Um, at that soldiers home and how it's still a place that everyone that many veterans and their families want them to go to. What I will comment about is during Secretary Poppe's testimony, she was speaking about, um, the new disabilities that veterans are facing and also the large amount of women veterans that are also going to be needing long term care and the need for privacy.
I am a male survivor of military sexual trauma, and I deal with PTSD because of that. And I can tell you personally that I've always been very fearful, um, and anxious about when I need that kind of personal care where will I go? How can I get it? Because privacy and compassion and empathy are really important for me. For somebody who is going to deal with my situation. And as I age, that's a real concern for me. And the new design of the Holyoke Soldiers Home is just I don't even know how to say just so important for people who suffer like I do, um, with those kind of issues. And I hope that this committee will support the bond bill so that veterans with mental health disabilities as well as physical limitations can go someplace at the end of life and feel safe and dignified. Thank you very much. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you. Steve, could you submit your written testimony electronically to the committee? I shall. Thank you. Appreciate it. A new representative, Uh,
Syros, right. Has his head up. If you could just wait a moment. We have one more person in this area to testify, actually, and then we'll ask, We can ask questions. So I think, Steve, it will wait if the question comes right. All right, so let's move on to anyway. I called earlier. Samuel Samuel Adams. I don't know if he's still on, but we move on to it person. And that's the next person is, uh we were seeing the Gomez from Springfield,
I guess. Hey. I mean, that's what happens in public hearings. They take a long time. You got to be patient. Um, those are if you want to be part of the process, sometimes you got to be patient. Represent, uh, Cyrus.
REP XIARHOS - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You're doing a great job. This is a long meeting. Uh, it's my first one ever and I'm so proud to be on it. And when you hear the testimony and the passion and the bitter sweetness of of a lot of what's being said. I just wanted to tell you, you know, I am not a veteran, but I am the son of a veteran. Uh, I was born and raised in New Bedford like you, Chairman Cabral. My dad served in the Merchant Marines and in the Army Air Corps. I'm named after a Greek immigrant my grandfather, Stephen Xiarhos the United States Army. He came from Greece, fought for our country as an American soldier. But also, I'm a Gold Star father. So I sent my son Nicholas who's been with me right here the whole time since this morning.
You know, when you send you a 21 year old son off to in Afghanistan and, uh, you hug him and you don't want to let go, and he comes home three months later in a flag draped coffin, Um, that that changes your life. And I'm proud to be here. Um, you'll have, you know, incredible support from me and my family. Um, the things you said respect their services very powerful. Very, to me. But I did want to ask one of the, who just spoke. I believe his name is Brian Willette. Um, you know, God bless him. He's a veteran. His son I think is a veteran disabled. But he brought up something that that is a good question. I think, Um, the gentleman, Jesse Flynn, from the disabled veterans, you know, had somewhat of a different look at this. And Brian mentioned that he did not agree. So I'd I'd ask Brian if he could expound upon that.
WILLETTE - Uh, thank you. Thank you very much. Representative. First of1246 all, I'm sorry for your loss. And, uh, I was actually in Afghanistan. My son came to Afghanistan, I spent a week with him, and I had to leave him there as I was going home. So I went from, uh, Sergeant to concerned Dad just like that. And, um and he actually pinned a Purple Heart on me. And I told him, Don't get wounded like that and we went ahead and did so, uh, so I'm really proud of him, I'm sorry for your loss. I know you're proud of your son. Okay, uh, that my disagreement with Mr. Flynn's comments is goes back to several things, but I want to focus on the promise made 1952 to our veterans in Western Massachusetts and all veterans of the Commonwealth.
The DAV's phrase keeping the promise, as a DAV1295 life member that's something I take personally. Even though I'm wearing the hat today of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Uh, I've been a DAV member since for over 10, 12 years, whatever it is now. And an active member Chapter 92 here in Northampton. And for him, I'm sorry I shouldn't say to him he's speaking for the organization. For the organization to change gears from their support of Chelsea, their whole hearted support just two years ago to their lack of support for Holyoke is not keeping the promise. It is a failure to keep the promise. So they could go back look at their pamphlets, that says, keeping the promise. Read it and keep this promise. That's what they need to do.
This this is a This is long overdue. I mean, the testimony you heard today, Paul Barabani from1342 from John and the touching testimony from Sheryl. Uh, it says it all. But but regarding that, I'm surprised or not on board with this. I can tell you the other veteran organization of this state who are coming onto this. This kind of came up quick here this hearing and, uh, unexpected pushback, as far as I'm concerned, has occurred here. This this should be this should be a no brainer done Deal. Shovel ready project. Keep the promise. That's my position. And I appreciate that question, sir. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you, Brian. I thank you. Rep. Reserve. I mean, as you know, in the best way, we are very proud of the Greek American community. I don't know if you are aware Father Baba's passed away. I don't know if you already know that he baptized me. Imagine that loving father Abbas. You know, he went to his wake last night. I mean, I used every, uh, you know, we have the blessing of the fleet, and every year was used to leave. That so I used to enjoy1407 is sprays on that particular event. It's wonderful all every year. And he actually was one of the founders are most of that Let's go. The police. So that was very nice. Very nice. I hope they keep the tradition that the Greek touch keeps that tradition and participates with us1426 on the blessing of the fleet. Um, thank you very much. Um,
I know we have John trying to ask with his hand up. I'm going to1439 make an exception, John. But on a public hearing, once you spoke and been asked, the opportunity is no longer. I I appreciate that so much. I I was very, very1451 brief comment for the representative.
JOHN - Thank you. And I think this is important. Um, so, representative, I don't think you remember me. About two years ago, you and I were at a salute to service at Gillette Stadium in1467 Foxboro, and it1469 was a pouring day, you know, it was drenched. Rain was coming down like crazy so I was1473 all covered up and all. I was there and, you know, doing outreach with veterans. And you were there, and I spoke with you. You talked about your son. And I got to tell I mean we're doing this for you to We're doing this for all the Gold Star families. You know, There are states across our country where Gold Star parents, Gold Star family members get places at their state veteran homes. So when we've talked to Payet and the DECAMP folks and we've talked with John Velis and folks good folks and said, Hey, yeah, we're looking at, you know, for our veterans.
But at some point, you and I wish it were today. You know, I think that's something that I think the General Court should be looking at as well. Open up the eligibility for all those who have sacrificed your family more than anyone else. So when your time comes, you know you can share IN that bond because you're part of our family, sir. And you I know you know that. So God bless you and your family. I just wanted to let you know that our commonwealth should be looking at eligibility across the board. So Thank you, sir. Bless you. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you. Move on to the next category. It's going to be testimony from the building trades and other mhm. So we're gonna begin with Frank Callahan. Frank, please identify yourself where you live and all1553 that good stuff. You know, the drill.
FRANCIS CALLAHAN - MBTU - HB 64 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thanks for hosting this this hearing today. For the record, my name is Frank Callahan. I'm, the president of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council, representing over 75,000 skilled trades men and women all across the Commonwealth who work in the construction industry for more than 3000 union employers. I'm here today to speak strongly in support of House bill 64 clearly, even prior to this hearing was1581 well aware of the needs. Uh, previous career I was headed up the Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council not too far off the road from the Holyoke Soldiers Home. So I know the good work they do and the people they serve, uh, we1593 should continue to do so.
Uh, what I'm suggesting here today and what I would propose is to enhance this even further. A lot has been said here today that we need to get this project done quickly. And in the discussions about the needs in the rest of the state, we need to be able to do it efficiently. And I think we can accomplish both of those and more by attaching a project labor agreement to this project, which would is the time tested model to get these projects done on time on budget and so much more. Uh, You'll hear from Colton Andrews, who's, uh, scheduled after me and Mary Vogel. Colton's with the Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council and Mary Vogel is with Building Pathways. But they'll talk about the diversity and1638 the training.
Uh, building trade unions and our contract has spent over $55 million a1643 year right here in Massachusetts to train the most highly skilled, most productive, safest workforce in the construction industry anywhere in the country and1652 I1652 say that without reservation. But that's not addressed with a lot of the Commonwealth's bid statutes. We have good competitive bidding statutes, but they're silent in a1663 number of areas. One of them is on apprenticeship because we want to make sure that young people have opportunities for careers and for good wages and benefits and retirement security that we certainly provide in the union sector. We want to extend that out to previously underserved communities, to women, people of color, and, of course, our veterans.
Uh, we are very proud of what we've been able to do, and you'll again you'll hear more from Colton and Mary about this on being the best in the nation at the highest percentage of apprentices and union apprenticeship programs in the country Massachusetts leads the way. We train 93% of all women in apprenticeship programs in the state in 86% of all minorities in apprenticeship programs. And I mentioned the competitive bid statutes, that are silent on this, um, they don't address apprenticeship. And although the statute requires diversity in goals, those are all too often not met either due to a lack1722 of enforcement or lack of interest in making sure that happens to provide those career opportunities to men and women. Uh, people of color and women in the construction industry.
We've been very successful at that through the use of project labor agreements at UMass. Boston, Um, certainly on the1740 private sector in both casinos in Springfield, and Everett and I could rattle on. But I know we're pressed for time. Um, I will be submitting more detailed written testimony in the interest of time and out of respect for the committee and others which will detail a lot of the other issues. There may be concerns raised that this could slow down the project. We do not want to do that. We don't want to delay this one day uh, more than it has to be. We can do this. We've proven we can do it ahead of schedule1768 and on budget as Senator Pacheco mentioned earlier. And I'll provide the legal background1773 the legislative background and the real life scenarios where this has been a proven, successful model. With that again, I will submit written testimony. I'm happy to answer any questions anybody has. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
any
in muted, Mr Chairman. Thank you, Frank. Thank you, Frank. And we look forward to a testimony written testimony, if you could submit it as soon as possible. Obviously, thank you for hosting this morning. Go. Colton Andrews.1804
COLTON ANDREWS - PVBTC - Good afternoon. I would first like to start off by thanking Chairman Cabral and Chairman Pacheco and the committee for allowing me to speak today. Um, I will touch on a few topics that Frank has already brought up. Um, as stated my name is Colton Andrews and I served as the president of the Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council and business manager for Laborers Union Local 596 out of Holyoke. On behalf of thousands of building trade union members of Pioneer Valley in Western Mass1836 we would like to express our1837 support for the critical and long overdue upgrade and renovation of the Holyoke Soldiers Home. A project of this magnitude will not only provide a state of the art facility for the proud men and women of the military but serve as a much needed stimulus to the construction industry and local economies of Western Mass.
With hundreds of millions of dollars of public and private development put on hold or postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19, this project will serve as a beacon of hope for our members who have been unemployed and struggling during these hard times. We at the Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council firmly believe that the implementation and use of a project labor agreement on this particular project will help ensure a smooth and economically efficient construction timeline and to achieve the highest standards in regards to hiring, safety and workforce utilization. Specifically, the workforce utilization standards are implemented by DCAMM during the construction process.
These standards address female minority participation goals that have no concrete language in regards to the veteran workforce utilization in apprenticeship standards. We strongly stand by the ideal that this project should not only be built for veterans, but should be built by veterans. Through our partnerships of local workforce advocacy groups and the great people of the veteran group Helmets to Hardhats it is our goal that this project will provide the opportunities for our brave men and women looking to begin a career in the building trades. The implementation and1924 enforcement1924 of the Project Labor Agreement will help ensure that those ideals are not just goals. They're rock solid standards the construction contractors will be held to. I hope the committee will consider and support our proposed amendment. And I look forward to further discussions in regards to this matter. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you. Golden. Uh, Mary Vogel. Yeah.
MARY VOGEL - BUILDING PATHWAYS - HB 64 - Good afternoon. Thank you for communing this committee and for allowing me to testify today. My name is Mary Vogel. I'm executive director of Building Pathways in Boston, and administrator of the Northeast Center for Trades Women's Equity. These both are non profit organizations dedicated to increasing access and opportunities for women and people of color to careers in the building trades in Massachusetts. Um, we are also co conveners of the Policy Group on Trades Women's Issues, which is a multi stakeholder collaboration of construction industry1983 stakeholders committed to crushing the barriers to women's access1987 to family sustaining careers in the building trades.
I am testifying today in support of the proposed amendment to House Bill 64 that will require a project labor agreement on the construction of the new facility for the soldiers home in Holyoke. And that the project labor agreements specifically cite state law requirements for participation, goals of minority and women workers to be employed on the project, as well as the processes and procedures to ensure compliance with those participation goals, including reporting and enforcement provisions as outlined in Chapter 149. After a decade of debate and activism, the question of whether or not women and people of color have the legal right to access public construction jobs in2036 Massachusetts is settled. State laws require a construction workforce participation goal of 6.9% for women and 15.3% minorities on all state contracts and state assisted projects. And the Attorney General's Office has affirmed and clarified this requirement in its public construction bidding.
Despite these laws that have required opening up good jobs in the construction trades to women and people of color, most state agencies and other public bidders. And I assume many members of the Legislature have been unaware of the requirements and out of compliance. Indeed, in a 2019 workforce, Participation UM Report by D. Cam reported that trades women were only 3% at the Commonwealth largest public builder. This is compelling evidence of the failure to implement these laws. Absent an intentional effort to do so, the intention has been the hallmark of three Project labor agreement projects that have served as the proving ground that the state's workforce diversity requirements can and have been achieved.
In 2010 the Metro Boston Building Trades Council, the New England Council of Carpenters and the University of Massachusetts Building Authority entered into a PLA for the reconstruction and renovation of the UMass campus in Boston. That PLA required that the project would adhere to the Boston Jobs residency policy, providing for 10% total employee work hours for each trade by women.2144 That goal has since been increased to 12%. As stipulated in the project Labor agreement an access and opportunity Committee was established to monitor hours and compliance with the workforce goals. The UMass Boston PLA became the laboratory for the Development and Testing of the Policy Group on Trades Women's Issues Finishing the Job Best Practices for Diversity in the Construction Workforce, which is a how to manual for how to achieve diversity on construction projects available to all stakeholders.
The 2011 expanded Gaming Act adopted the state workforce goals of 6.9% women and 15.3% minorities and diversity plans as the condition of the gaming licenses. These goals, as well as the compliance and monitoring through the formulation of an AOC were also embedded in the respect of PLAs for the MGM and Encore casinos. Monitoring of hours and compliance with best practices was done by a standing Mass Gaming Commission, AOC, that oversaw both projects and meant2216 monthly to oversee compliance. These projects met and exceeded workforce diversity goals. In fact, nearly 500 trades women worked on the Encore Casino, perhaps the largest number of trades women employed on a single project2232 in the world.
The final women's hours at Encore were 7.2% and the final hours for people2240 of color were 25.3%. At MGM, the final women's hours were 7.67% and the final hours for people of color 22.95%. Both projects also exceeded their veteran workforce goals. The Gaming Commission produced a report on the successes that both casino projects, which I will provide a link to in my written testimony. The achievement of these PLA projects include proven best practices for gender2276 and racial workforce diversity which have been tested and collected in the finishing the job manual I referred to earlier. The Access and Opportunity Committees, which have been fully implemented as called for in the state statutes and executive orders on workforce diversity. And since 2011, both the, and the2299 Mass Gaming Commission have reached or exceeded the legally mandated target of 6.9% women and 15.3% minority hours on the projects they oversee.
Most notably the union sector of the construction industry, through its commitment to advancing diversity among its ranks, has demonstrated that it is the only sector position to meet workforce diversity goals with any consistency. According to the latest data from the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, this is fourth quarter 2020 data. Over 10% of union construction apprentices in Massachusetts are women. Moreover, 93% of women apprentices in Massachusetts are enrolled in2344 union apprenticeship programs, and 86% of apprentices of color in Massachusetts are enrolled in union programs.
These outcomes are a direct result in employment opportunities generated by these PLA Projects and other initiatives the union trades have embraced, such as pre apprenticeship training programs across the state, including in western Massachusetts Community Works.2370 Our Build a Life that Works Statewide. Campaign to educate women, career seekers about opportunities in the building trades and to heighten the visibility and voices of trades women. Our Massachusetts Girls in Trade Initiative to educate students and staff in career tech Ed2389 programs about apprenticeship and our Building Pathways High School Roadshow to inform students in other high schools about the building trades.
We recognize that it is not enough to focus only on increasing the participation of diverse groups in the construction trades. That is why we are using PLAs in eastern Massachusetts to promote the retention and advancement of diverse workers in the industry by ensuring that the workplace is welcoming to all. These agreements include provisions for mandatory and ongoing diversity training and education of all workers on site, as well as ombudsman services for workers who have experienced harassment, discrimination or bullying on the job. There are many reasons which my colleagues have already covered to require project labor agreement on the Holyoke Soldiers Home. However, in the wake of the pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted women and people of color, perhaps one of the most important reasons is that a PLA can help to ensure that these underrepresented groups have access to lucrative jobs that will provide economic prosperity for them, their families and the communities in which they live2463 and work. Thank you. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you very much. Mary, if you could submit that written testimony to us, we really appreciate it. Mhm. Just But today, that would be good on your computer. We have one more in the last person to testify today. And then I don't know.
So
sector, uh, Charlie paint. Okay.
CHARLIE WAYNE - CARPENTERS LOCAL UNION - Thank you. Thank you, everybody um, for for convening this hearing and for letting me speak. Um, I really want to urge you to move forward with this bill. I think everybody here is in support of our veterans. Uh, and and we We see the need for not just the Holyoke facility or regional facility. Um, I should say I am a resident of Chicopee. I represent the Carpenters Union, and I'm part of the coalition recently joined. I'm2525 also a veteran, and my father was a Korean era veteran who2530 passed away in the soldiers home in 2003. Um, in that facility, Um, as much as he loved it, it's seen better days. It allow it allowed him to pass, um uh to end his days with dignity and respect and I appreciate that. But we really are putting a big burden on our veterans today that we didn't then. Um, we've got veterans that have 8, 9, 10 deployments and when2560 all the trauma is going to hit them at the end of their days or as they get older, there's2566 going to be a2567 bigger need for long term care. Um, I ask that we move as quickly as2574 possible to secure the bond and move this project forward. With all due respect, that's that's all I have to say today. Thank you. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Thank you, Charlie. Senator Pacheco, Any questions? Any comments?
PACHECO - I only, uh, just want to reiterate what was said earlier relative to project labor agreements. And I'm sure we'll get updated language that we can take a look at for this particular piece of legislation.2608 And I think the testimony2611 that we heard from Building Pathways is very important as well that Mary talked about. So I think the opportunity to incorporate this type of language into the bill, especially when we're talking about investing $4002634 million in construction of the Commonwealth, we should be making sure that it is being done in an equitable and fair way. And, uh, you're going to benefit the working families of the Commonwealth as well as veterans, which are a strong piece of the construction and trade unions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Well, I have no further questions. We're coming to an end. I mean, we've gone over time. I know we have Senator Timothy, uh, as its hand up, and then we'll try to close the hearing after that. Uh
SEN TIMILTY - Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. And to the members of our building trades who are here today. Thank you very much. We build things the right way in this country because of our building trades so thank you very much. Rep Xiahros congratulations. It's good to see you. Rep Xiahros and good to see you, Frank. Quick question for our panel. And please, whoever feels most comfortable answering the question please do. The $400 million price tag that's proposed in this spill is this sufficient funding to carry out the administration's plans as proposed currently? SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Anybody? Anybody wants to answer that question? Frank,
CALLAHAN - I can't2728 speak to the dollar volume for that project. Uh, I I don't I don't know the, I mean, I'm familiar with the scope of it, but I can't speak to the details of whether that's sufficient.
TIMILTY - Okay, thank you very much. And what's the expected employment numbers for the trades in relation to a project of this size, please?
CALLAHAN - I would defer to Colton Andrews. But there's always a myth I get this question a lot by reporters to tie a number of jobs to a specific dollar volume, but I would be fair to say it would be a couple of 100 construction jobs.
Okay. Okay, That sounds great. Thank you, Mr Chair.2769 Thank you, Frank. Thank you. Any other questions or comments for many members of the committee?
WAYNE - I'd like to say that I don't know the number of jobs, but the duration of this job being, uh, I think is around 1200 days. That will take a brand new apprentice from their first day on the job to nearly a journey level uh, status will give them a career in most trades. SHOW NON-ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE
Good to know. Thank you very much, Charlie.
Good. Well, uh, if we don't have any other comments or, uh, questions from the members of the committee, I want to thank you. I'm testified. I want to thank all2812 the members of the committee both on the house set aside for their patients. I think it's better. Fantastic. Our hearing. We've heard a lot about so many things, not only about issues with Chelsea, uh, and of course, Holyoke. But they are. We also heard so many things about chance today. We have not heard before and the other other matters event potential services throughout the state, especially something severe. So what we call the east side of the state, uh, including cape cards. Um, So So I think it's been also a learning experience for many members of the committee to really hear all this public information, and this is the way to do it. I think on a bill of this magnitude of others, I mean, you want to get the public involved and give them an opportunity, Really participate in the process, Mr. Chairman? Yes. Yeah. Just when you when you throw, I just want to To a closing closing statement. Yeah, I just I just want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, I want to thank all the members of the committee that have participated to participate in today. Uh, you know, obviously, throughout this hearing, there's been a sense that I've I've I've found from many of the people in particular people around Holyoke that somehow any of the questions that may come up even from the statewide D. A v uh, is being critical or thinking about not doing investment. Holyoke and I want to let you know that from my perspective, that is you know, simply not the case. Um, I think it is true, however, that when we look at the statewide veterans homes of Chelsea and Holyoke that there has been under investment in these facilities in absolutely no investment in other parts of the the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For many of the, uh, comments that we heard earlier about the tragedy that took place at Holyoke, it is It's just so, so sad. And I was glad that the chairman allowed testimony from the community where we actually had a moment of silence to think about those great veterans who lost their life to the to the covid battle. Uh, you know, and and it is important for all of us to think about that and how, uh, so many families have been impacted, uh, as a result of that. But I think, Mr Chairman, it's also important for us to understand that while a lot of this was due to,3002 um, the physical plant in the lack thereof, in terms of the types of policies that needed to be put in place, a lot of it was around management as well. Uh, you know, management plans, uh, the way uh, the the the whole home was managed throughout that process. And I say this because, you know, my dad was a veteran and we lost him. Mhm. It's going to be two years on March 31 and his wife my mother there's in a long term care facility here in southeastern Massachusetts. She survived Colvin, but many of the residents where she resides did not. And in our long term care facilities throughout the Commonwealth, many of the nursing homes we're literally mhm. Hundreds of people have passed away. Uh, you know, since the beginning of this, uh, you know, terrible pandemic. It is important for us to know that management capacities are also something that we need to be working on. We can put the investment in the construction. We can do everything relative to that, but we need to make sure it's followed3098 up with, uh, the appropriate management in implementing the appropriate public health, uh, policies that need to be put in. Finally, Mr Chairman and I hope to work with you and the members of this committee as we move forward, because in our oversight role, I don't think this should be the last discussion we have3127 about this issue in general because there is serious need in other regions of the state for access to facilities for our veterans, and we need to get those issues addressed. And we need to get issues redress address relative to access to the two statewide soldiers home that we have today. And what I mean by access is some equity in fairness, in terms of access into the homes. Uh, and until we have, um,
access statewide, there needs to3182 be access into the two statewide3185 facilities. And for many regions of the state, there is just not the access and and so that is so important for us to be looking at and ways in which we can address that in the language in this bill is something we should, you know, definitely considered. But I want to thank you, Mr Chairman, and thank all the members and thank all of the, you know, Panelists that have taken the time to testify today. Well, thank you. Uh uh, Senator Pacheco and cheer on the Senate side of this committee. Well, thank you for your open to suspicion as well. And, uh, and to everybody else who had testified. I think, uh, to me, I mean, of course. Oh, because of the cheer. But to me, I'm a big fan of Paul Carriage. I think these are the process that allows people to come forward and talk to us. Testify form, give their views. Uh, and that's the every committee that I've shared, uh, this sort of others. That's the prices they always follow. And I will continue to follow. I know there is an urgency here for a specific timelines. Uh, we will, uh, will proceed as quickly as we can on this piece of legislation because we realize the timelines are very tight. But I think it's important to give the necessary time to the Legislature in the committee's the respective committees of the Legislature to have time to analyze, hear from3285 the general public, hear from the experts and so forth, and then make also an informed the decision when they do take a vote on a particular piece of legislation, be at the committee3296 level, or at the, you know at the debate at the full House level of the Senate, because it is by getting as much information as we candidate that. I believe the bill eventually will be a better bill. The results will always be better this way. I mean, um I mean, when all of you they were on during the hearing during that time when we heard Cheryl, um in her testimony and then because unbelievable. Just to bring to light and I'm sure be streaming as it is, this public hearing is being, I'm sure, many people as much as it was in the news. To a certain degree, I know that many people never saw I've never heard it. And this is there was that opportunity and also to to allow the committee to really understand the plight, the other. The other thing that I think it's important3352 here, um, that came about that's part of this hearing as well is, is physical place is important. It is important to to build a new facility instead of the art facility. But the staffing and that's precisely a question that I asked of members of the administration is the staffing levels. What's the staffing levels? Is this require more, obviously will require more. And that's important because I think in the past that's been from what I can see and what I've heard in the past as well on this issue and and including other you know, even other long term care facilities that so that, uh, that you can3392 mention. It's always to a certain degree. Staffing is extremely and and I know, uh, in Holyoke. They've been over and over again recommendations for additional staff in the past to address some of the needs. And these types. Those recommendations don't get implemented. So it's important for the Legislature to hear that sometimes some of those conversations take place either at the executive level or the local level of that particular facility. It never gets to the Legislature because3427 whatever can represent the Legislature recommended by the administration be in the form of a bill like this, which is a bond bill or in the form of the operating budget operating operating much would be, obviously, you know, staffing and other resources. These facilities, that's when we have an opportunity to look at no buys. So and sometimes if we don't have these sort of sort of public hearings on these matters, uh huh, those discussions as, uh, as as it was done in particular by Mr I Think all our bait or bunny. I think I smell the right and also right, Uh,3467 his discussions, as he mentioned as as as frustrated as sounded to a certain degree, uh, it reached somewhere it will reach here. Right? Um so So I think I'm just trying to emphasis how important it is to give the time to the legislation to the respective committees and have those public areas, those necessary public areas to bring everybody to the table and have us get some good information.
So have you said that we We went an hour and 35 minutes beyond the time, but it's all worth it. It's all worth it because we gave everybody the opportunity. Two, uh, to testify. We gave an opportunity for people to come back and say a few more things. Like drug. Uh huh. I know John is on. I can see, um and you know, normally that's not usually the public hearing, but I3528 think this was a great opportunity to exchange lots of conversations. That's what our curious about. Oh, thank you all and and, uh, will be The committee will be deliberating this, uh, legislation. The next couple of3544 days and
thank you very much. Thank you very much to the chairs. So a motion to adjourn. It's no moved
second. Okay. Thank you, Everybody. God bless America stay strong.
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