Post-COVID recovery: Massachusetts must invest in housing, child care, transit, new report finds – MassLive
By Alison Kuznitz
The COVID-19 pandemic irrevocably altered workplace dynamics — and now, Massachusetts must invest in job training, public transportation, child care and mental health supports, among other key arenas, to ensure a resilient post-coronavirus economy, a new legislative report concludes.
Remote and hybrid work formats will continuously evolve the next decade, the Future of Work Commission — co-chaired by state Sen. Eric Lesser and state Rep. Josh Cutler — said in a report unveiled Tuesday. While technology and innovation must adapt to ensure Massachusetts retains it competitive edge, other human infrastructure needs like housing and education also warrant overhauls to sustain a fluid labor market…
With COVID disrupting day-to-day life for Bay Staters, more attention must be directed toward revamping and expanding access to child care and elder care, Lesser said.
High child care costs in Massachusetts — which exceed the national average by $5,000 — pose “significant challenges” for families. That’s been exacerbated by flexible work formats and employment uncertainty, according to the report.