The One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce invited its members to question members of the regional legislative delegation at a luncheon held Friday in Dartmouth.
The annual luncheon was attended by nine legislators, including Fall River Senator Michael Rodrigues and State Representatives Carole Fiola and Paul Schmid.
The cost of housing was a key theme during the discussion as to how it not only impacts residents, but local businesses looking for skilled workers. Senator Rodrigues says the state is investing more money in the upcoming budget to create more housing to retain as many residents as possible, especially for those who have just graduated college or are looking to start a family.
Local tourism funding was also up for discussion. Representative Fiola, who served last session as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, said the state has increased its investment in tourism, but more needs to be done.
Among the other topics brought out by employers at the luncheon included how legislators can support the recruitment of workers in human services fields and building local school curricula in support of gifted students.
Other legislators at the luncheon were State Representative Antonio Cabral (New Bedford), State Representative Steven Howitt (Seekonk)), State Representative Patricia Haddad (Somerset), State Representative Christopher Markey (New Bedford/Dartmouth) and State Representative Christopher Hendricks (New Bedford).
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