• The rising cost of health insurance is a major concern for small and large businesses in Massachusetts.
• A UMass Donahue Institute survey found 63% of small business owners believe they pay higher health insurance premiums than larger companies.
• The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce created its Government Affairs Council to help local businesses communicate with legislators.
• Business groups like the Retailers Association of Massachusetts are urging their members to directly contact state legislators about their concerns.

Elizabeth LaBrecque says the Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce created its Government Affairs Council for a very good reason.

“The idea is for legislators to help local businesses,” said LeBrecque, whose job description at the TACC is Director of Member Development.

LaBrecque, says the cost of health insurance continues to be a major concern among small and large businesses.

“Health insurance is always a major factor,” she said.

A survey of 635 small businesses in the Bay State, conducted in October 2024 by the UMass Donahue Institute in Amherst, found that 63% of respondent business owners – who offer employee health insurance and employ up to 50 full-time workers – strongly agreed with the statement that small businesses and employees in the commonwealth “have to pay higher health insurance premiums than big businesses and government.”

BOSTON (WWLP) – Five Regional Transit Authorities and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) have secured $105.7 million in federal funding to modernize their bus fleets and facilities.

The funding, sourced from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emissions Grant Program and the Buses and Bus Facilities Program, will be used to purchase zero and low-emission buses and upgrade transit facilities across Massachusetts.

“Low and no emission buses deliver smoother rides, lower costs, and healthier air,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These funds will help regional transit authorities across the state purchase new buses and deliver the service that the people of Massachusetts deserve.”

The following projects received grant funding:

Low or No Emission Grant Program Awards (Total: $98,381,757):

• Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): $78.6 million
• Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MeVa): $7.2 million
• Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA): $7.2 million
• Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA): $5.4 million

Buses & Bus Facilities Program Awards (Total: $7,475,955):

• Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA): $4.5 million
• Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA): $3 million

“PVTA is pleased to receive this significant award from the FTA’s Bus and Bus Facility Discretionary Grant Program,” said PVTA Administrator Sandra Sheehan. “This grant will enable us to maintain the Northampton Operations and Maintenance facility in a state of good repair, which is crucial for improving the safety, capacity, and reliability of our entire transit system as we work to meet growing demand as we expand service.” 

Governor Healey expressed gratitude towards the team at MassDOT, the MBTA, regional transit authorities, and Senators Warren and Markey for their leadership in securing the funding.

The federal funding is expected to enhance public transportation in Massachusetts by providing cleaner, more efficient bus services, benefiting both commuters and the environment.