Massachusetts 2022 budget includes marine workforce funds

Published On: July 29, 2021

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker recently signed the 2022 state budget, which includes $150,000 in funding for workforce development and career technical education initiatives within the recreational boating industry, according to a press release from the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA).

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 Joseph Boncore, the four Co-Chairs of the 60-plus member Legislative Boating Caucus.

The recreational boating industry in Massachusetts has an economic impact of $4.4 billion dollars and employs more than 20,000 in Massachusetts. The industry is currently facing a substantial workforce shortage both in Massachusetts and on a national level.