The recreational boating industry in Massachusetts has an economic impact of approximately $4.4 billion dollars and employs over 20,000 men and women in the state.

"The industry is currently facing a substantial workforce shortage both in Massachusetts and on a national level. In Massachusetts, there are hundreds—if not thousands—of jobs currently available. We have the jobs and careers; we just need the people to fill them. This amendment will go a long way in continuing to help with the MMTA’s efforts on workforce solutions here in Massachusetts," MMTA said in a press release.

The funds were introduced via Budget Amendments sponsored in the House by Representative William Straus of the 10th Bristol District and in the Senate by Senator Patrick O’Connor of the Plymouth & Norfolk District, joined in leadership by Representative Susan Gifford and Senator Paul Feeney, the four Co-Chairs of the 60-plus member Legislative Boating Caucus.

“Our recreational boating industry supports over 1,000 businesses and 20,0000 jobs and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year,” said State Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Workforce development initiatives like these are vital to the future success of not only the boating industry but of Massachusetts’ entire economy. I was proud to once again lead this effort in the Senate and appreciate the continued advocacy of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association for this vital sector.”

Co-Sponsors in the Senate included: Senators DiZoglio, Gobi, Lovely, Montigny, Moran, Moore, Pacheco, Tarr, Timilty and Velis. Co-Sponsors in the House included: Representatives Barrows, Cabral, Capano, Chan, Cutler, Elugardo, Ferguson, Fernandes, Giannino, Haddad, Haggerty, Hendricks, Jones, Jr., Kane, Kelcourse, Madaro, Meschino, Muratore, Peake, Philips, Robertson, Sabadosa, Tucker, Viera, Whelan and Xiarhos.

Original Source: https://boatingindustry.com/news/2022/08/02/mmta-celebrates-workforce-development-funding/