“The working families in Massachusetts who have suffered more than anyone through this historic Great Recession are grateful and proud of both the state House and Senate for stepping up to the plate to pass expanded gaming legislation and standing up for job creation here in the Commonwealth. This hasn’t been about wanting legislation; it’s been about needing legislation to combat the dire job market facing our state’s workers. The legislature has done their part to craft quality legislation that maximizes job creation and revenue generation, both of which are crucial to our families and our communities. There was literally no other option but to pass this legislation and give workers the hope that comes with these construction and permanent job prospects. It’s no secret that jobs and revenues are desperately needed and this legislation, thanks to the leadership of our elected representatives and senators, will provide both in impressive numbers. On behalf of unemployed workers throughout the Commonwealth, I want to sincerely and profusely thank our legislators for putting this package together. I urge them to vote to enact it before this session concludes and strongly urge the Governor to sign it into law. Working families need nothing less.”

Members of Teamsters Local 25 and their supporters gathered for an early morning rally outside of Dunkin' Donuts on State Street in Boston on Thursday, July 22. After eleven months of contract negotiations at its main distributor, Northeast DCP, Local 25 is telling Dunkin' Donuts that it's "Time to make the contract."

 "Our nation’s severe economic recession and the ongoing jobs crisis have changed the context of many policy debates. We face times unlike those that anyone has faced since the Great Depression; now, more than ever, it is imperative for our leaders to take bold steps that will help assure job creation and sustained revenues."