Healey talks workforce development in Worcester

Photo | Maura Healey Campaign Maura Healey speaks in Worcester on Tuesday to support educational and workforce development

Write a Comment

By Alexander MacDougall

Maura Healey, the Massachusetts Attorney General and one of the leading candidates for next governor of the state, visited Worcester on Tuesday to discuss her stance on education and workforce development, visiting the Massachusetts Teachers Association and Worcester Technical School to discuss the issues.

“Massachusetts’ greatest asset is our people. It’s going to be on our next Governor to partner with local officials, educators and union leaders to make sure our public school system works for all of our students,” said Maura Healey in a press release statement following the event. “That includes hiring more paraeducators to ensure we are meeting the full needs of students – especially English Language Learners and students with disabilities.”

The MTA had previously endorsed Healey in her run as governor, and she picked up additional endorsements from city officials during her Tuesday visit, including Mayor Joe Petty and several members of both the Worcester City Council and Worcester School Committee.

At Worcester Tech, Healey participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives of the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, including the chamber’s CEO Tim Murray, who spoke of the need to use the power of public office to continue to attract talent in Worcester.

“One of the greatest responsibilities facing our next Governor is attracting and retaining talent in the Worcester region,” said Murray in a statement following the event. “This requires close collaboration with businesses, schools and community leaders to bolster workforce development and expand economic opportunity for all.”

Though the chamber and Healey showed general agreement for the need to bolster Worcester’s economy, it remains to be seen how to do so. The Chamber and Healey do not see eye to eye on several issues, such as the matter of gig workers in the state: The Chamber recently held an event supporting a proposed law that would classify gig workers as independent contractors, while Healey has brought a lawsuit against companies like Uber for treating employees as such in her capacity as attorney general.