April 3, 2025
Dear Chair Michlewitz and Chair Rodrigues,
On behalf of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and our 1,200 members, I write to offer comments on H.55, An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects. We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on several important investments in our transportation infrastructure and education system included in this legislation.
MBTA Deficiency Fund Transfer (Item 1595-2508 – $300 million)
As you know, last year the Governor convened an array of stakeholders by forming the Transportation Funding Task Force to discuss short, medium, and long-term financing mechanisms to provide safe and reliable transportation options across the Commonwealth. The Chamber participated in these conversations throughout 2024 – which resulted in the Governor’s proposal to invest up to $8 billion in our transportation infrastructure statewide utilizing surtax funding, borrowing, and general funds. Spread across H.55, the Governor’s FY26 budget proposal, and Chapter 90 legislation, these investments will benefit our transportation infrastructure in all regions of the Commonwealth.
While the Chamber supports these statewide investments, we take this opportunity to highlight the significant investments in public transit through the MBTA. Under the leadership of General Manager Phillip Eng, the MBTA has made strong progress on implementing safety and reliability improvements along with necessary track and signal work to eliminate slow zones and improve the rider experience. While the progress of deploying capital investment and service improvements is ongoing and there is much more work to be done, the Chamber believes the MBTA is heading in the right direction, and the additional financial support will provide meaningful support to the ongoing turnaround necessary at the agency to build trust with current and future riders.
Facing an immediate budget cliff, this line-item will help the MBTA address short-term funding challenges while it continues to improve safety and reliability. The Chamber urges you to support these critical investments.
MBTA Workforce/Safety Reserve (Item 1596-2427 – $400 million)
In addition, the transfer of $400 million in funding for MBTA Workforce and Safety reserve will help address specific safety and workforce shortfalls identified by the Federal Transit Administration. While the MBTA makes progress, safety and reliability issues remain, and ensuring an adequate workforce to support the transportation system will assist the agency in maintaining safe oversight and operation of transit services.
Career Technical School Expansion Grants (1596-2513 – $75 million)
Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) is an effective method for training our next generation of talent with the skills they need to be successful in the workforce. CVTE programs provide students with hands-on experience and practical knowledge in various fields, ranging from healthcare and information technology to advanced manufacturing and construction trades. These programs are designed to meet the demands of the modern economy and equip students with the competencies required by employers.
CVTE has become highly sought after, and most Vocational-Technical Schools throughout the Commonwealth have lengthy waitlists for a limited number of seats. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education estimates there are 6,000 – 11,000 students statewide who are on waiting lists for vocational-technical schools 1. This high demand underscores the value and effectiveness of CVTE in preparing students for well-paying careers. Expansion grants will increase capacity and enable more students to access these valuable programs, thereby reducing waitlists and providing more opportunities for students to pursue careers in growing industries that are critical to our state’s economy.
The Chamber supports experiential learning and workforce development opportunities, such as CVTE, apprenticeships, and internships that provide a variety of pathways to successful careers. We hope you will dedicate these resources to these expansion grants that teach vital skills to our students.
Thank you for your attention and please reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
James E. Rooney President & CEO