Category: Chamber Blogs

Legislative Update for the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce (Key Items)

May 17, 2012 by Lynch Associates, Inc. As the 2011-2012 legislative session enters a period of great activity as the end of formal sessions approach on July 31st, there are a number of pending matters with great impact on businesses of all sizes.  Among recent items of interest, please note the following: Health Care Payment Reform…

Massachusetts Chamber Provides Leadership Support for Non-Profit Organizations

Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is providing leadership support to West of the River Chamber of Commerce in growing its membership. A marketing meeting was held with local business professionals to discuss the development of a new membership brochure that will highlight the many benefits members receives. West of the River Chamber of Commerce offers its…

Health Connector Offers More Choices for Small Businesses

The state’s eight leading health insurance carriers are now offering health plans to small businesses through the Massachusetts Health Connector’s Business Express program. Business Express is a solution for small businesses that enables an easy apples-to-apples comparison of plans and until recently, there had been limited carrier participation in the program since its original launch…

Governor Supports Massachusetts Businesses by Signing Bill to Freeze Unemployment Insurance Rate Increase

In an effort to save the Commonwealth’s businesses an estimated $421 million, Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill $127.1 million spending bill for fiscal 2012 that included the Legislature’s effort to freeze the unemployment insurance rate increase. Also included in the bill, Governor Patrick vetoed $700,000 for payment to cities and towns affected with Tropical…

Massachusetts Division of Insurance Asked to Approve 19.3% Hike in Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers compensation insurance underwriters are asking the state to approve an average 19.3 percent rate increase, saying it reflects the “real costs” of providing the line of insurance to Massachusetts employers.  According to the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau, the rate hike would be the first in more than ten years and rates would…

House Republicans Form Coalition to Force Release Bills for Debate

In an email circulated to all House members, House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading) asked his colleagues in both parties to join an effort to exert greater influence over the House agenda in an effort he calls the Rule 28 Coalition – a reference to the House rule that allows a majority of House…