Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently signed the state’s 2024 state budget, which included $150,000 in funding for workforce development and career technical education initiatives in the recreational boating industry.
In a statement, the MMTA said, “The funding will continue the successful initiatives and progress that the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association has made over the last five-plus years to help meet the workforce challenges within the industry.”
The funds were introduced through budget amendments sponsored in the house by representative William Strauss of the 10th Bristol District and in the Senate by Senator Patrick O’Connor of the Plymouth & Norfolk District. These two were joined by representative Susan Gifford and Senator Paul Feeney to make up the four co-chairs of the 60-plus member legislative boating caucus for the state.
The funds support existing and educational programs at schools throughout the state including high schools, vocational schools and community colleges.
