June Newsletter
Connecting New Englanders. . .
Across the region and with Washington, DC.
Welcome to the May 2021 edition of our newsletter. It's been a busy spring so far at the Council, and we have a full calendar of events planned in the coming weeks. Read on to learn more about opportunities to connect with key policymakers, and other NEC news and activities.
Upcoming Events
NEC Briefing on Supply Chain Security
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Capitol Hill Report with U.S. Representative Bill Keating
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Recent Events
May Events Roundup
The Council hosted a busy lineup of events during the month in May, giving our members the opportunity to hear from several members of the New England delegation, as well as other policy leaders. April events included:

  • May 3: The Biden Administration: The First 100 Days
  • May 5: A Conversation with Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey
  • May 6: Capitol Hill Report with Rep. Ayanna Pressley
  • May 7: Capitol Hill Report with Sen. Maggie Hassan
  • May 10: Capitol Hill Report with Rep. Seth Moulton
  • May 20: US-UK Trade Update with British Trade Commissioner Antony Phillipson

As always, you can watch recordings of all our virtual programs on our YouTube channel using the link below!
Investing in Infrastructure Series
Second Session Focused on Energy Infrastructure Needs
The second event in our "Investing in Infrastructure" series focused on energy infrastructure and explored the key challenges facing our region and how federal infrastructure can help address the region's energy needs.

"Investing in Infrastructure: Energy" took place on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. NEC Energy & Environment Committee Chair Mark Kalpin, Partner at Holland & Knight, moderated the discussion. Panelists included:


For more information on this program or the NEC Energy & Environment Committee, please contact Sean Malone.
Member Survey
Share Feedback on In-Person Events, Return-to-Work Plans
As COVID-19 restrictions lift and we return to some level of normalcy, the Council is asking members to share feedback on their organization’s policies related to in-person events and meetings, as well as return-to-work plans. The information gathered will help us determine when to resume in-person programming, such as Congressional Roundtable events in New England, and Capitol Conversations breakfasts in Washington, DC. We are grateful to those who have already completed the survey, and encourage all members to participate. The deadline to participate is close of business on Friday, June 4.

If you have any question, please contact Emily Heisig or Larry Zabar.
Staff Announcement
Ashley Rose Lokken Joins NEC Team
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of The New England Council staff, Ashley Rose Lokken. Ashley joined the Council this week as our new Digital Communications Specialist. She is based in our Boston office, and is responsible for all digital communications and social media.

Ashley most recently served as the Digital Communications Associate at the Barbara Lee Family Foundation, and previously served as the Digital Account Executive at the Boston/Washington DC-based Public and Government Relations firm--and longtime NEC member--O’Neill and Associates.

Ashley is an LGBTQ+ advocate and has contributed as a freelance writer for the LGBTQ+ publication, INTO Magazine. Ashley grew up in South Florida and graduated from Emerson College with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism. 

We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to the team! She can be reached at [email protected].
Policy Advocacy Updates
Council Endorses Retirement Savings Legislation 
Building on a long history of support for federal policies that promote retirement security, the Council recently endorsed the bipartisan Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021. In a letter sent to each member of the New England house delegation on May 19, 2021, the Council outlined the benefits of the proposal and encouraged members of Congress to support the legislation. Introduced earlier in May by House Ways & Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), the bill includes a number of provisions aimed at helping Americans prepare for a secure retirement, regardless of where they are in the retirement savings process.

For more information on this issue, or on the NEC Financial Services Committee, please contact Griffin Doherty.
NEC Backs 9/11-Style COVID Commission
In a recent letter to the New England Congressional delegation, the Council expressed its support for the “National Coronavirus Commission Act of 2021.” This bipartisan legislation would create an independent, non-partisan commission, closely modeled after the 9/11 Commission that investigated the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, to assess the nation’s pandemic preparedness and response. The commission would also be charged with providing recommendations to improve our country’s readiness for future public health crises. The legislation was introduced in the House in February, and in the Senate in March, where Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) is a lead sponsor. 

For more information on this issue or on the NEC Healthcare Committee, please contact Sean Malone.
NEC in the News
Check out some recent Op-Eds and coverage of our programs
In recent weeks, the Council has had several Op-Ed pieces published in regional publications in support of our federal policy advocacy efforts.

Upcoming Committee Meeting
Financial Services Committee to Meet with Rep. Auchincloss
On June 15, 2021, the NEC Financial Services Committee will host a meeting with Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), who was recently named Vice-Chair of the House Financial Services Committee.

This meeting will provide NEC members in the financial services industry with the opportunity to meet the Congressman, learn more about his priorities as a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, and share their own policy priorities. For more information, please contact Griffin Doherty.
Jim Brett Recognized with Honorary Degrees
Brett Honored by Assumption University and Regis College
New England Council President & CEO Jim Brett recently received honorary degrees from two NEC members: Assumption University in Worcester, MA, and Regis College in Weston, MA. Both institutions noted Jim’s work at the Council to promote economic growth in New England, as well as his tireless advocacy for people with disabilities in selecting him for these honors. 

Please join us in congratulating Jim on this well-deserved recognition.  
Welcome May New Members
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