An Act establishing the Workforce Recovery Commission

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

Creates a Massachusetts Workforce Recovery Commission to align employers, workers, and educators for a resilient, inclusive economy shaped by post-pandemic changes.

What the bill would do

Establish a Workforce Recovery Commission in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to facilitate the development, retention, and support of a workforce that supports ongoing economic prosperity, inclusion, diversity, and equity.

Situate the commission's work in the context of evolving factors from the COVID-19 pandemic, along with shifts in demographics, technology, housing and transportation, and the skill and education levels required by employers and workers.

Key provisions

Section 1 – Purpose

The commission’s overarching goal is to ensure Massachusetts has a resilient and inclusive workforce aligned with current and future economic demands.

Section 2 – Governance and composition

The commission shall be chaired by the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development.

It shall include 18 additional members appointed by the Governor.

Distribution of members:

2 employer representatives with fewer than 10 employees
2 employer representatives with 10–100 employees
2 employer representatives with more than 100 employees
2 representatives from institutions of higher learning (one of whom represents community colleges)
3 representatives from organized labor
3 members with professional experience in human resources, staffing, and recruiting
3 representatives from regional workforce investment boards (from geographically diverse regions)
1 economist
1 representative from vocational schools

Section 3 – Meetings

The commission must meet at least three times per year.

The first meeting must occur within 90 days after passage of the act.

Who would be affected

State agencies, notably the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Employers across Massachusetts (small, medium, and large), workers, job seekers, and students.

Higher education institutions, including community colleges.

Labor unions and professionals in human resources, staffing, and recruiting.

Regional workforce investment boards and vocational schools.

Procedural and timeline notes

Sponsor: Bruce E. Tarr (primary).

Bill status: A proposed bill in the 194th General Court (2025–2026) seeking to establish the commission.

Related history: Similar matter previously filed in the 2023–2024 session (Senate No. 1227).

Enactment timeline: If enacted, the first commission meeting would occur within 90 days of passage; ongoing meetings minimum of three times per year thereafter.

Potential impact (highlights)

Creates a formal, cross-cutting body to guide workforce policy in response to pandemic-related and broader structural changes.

Establishes a broad-based, multi-stakeholder framework intended to balance employer needs with worker protections, education, and career development.

Could shape future workforce investment strategies, training programs, and partnerships among business, higher education, labor, and regional boards.

Note: The document provided does not include funding or fiscal details.

Bill