April Newsletter
Connecting New Englanders
Across our region. . . . and with Washington, DC.
Welcome to the April 2021 edition of our monthly newsletter. 2021 has gotten off to a great start, and we are looking forward to a busy spring. We hope you'll join us for some of our upcoming events and meetings, and as always, please reach out to our staff if there is any way we can be of assistance!
Upcoming Events
Defense Policy Outlook Discussion
On Wednesday, April 7, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., the Council will host a Defense Policy Outlook Discussion featuring key staff to members of the New England delegation. Defense Working Group Chair Joe Donovan of Nelson Mullins will moderate the discussion.
Capitol Hill Report with
Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT)
Thursday, April 8, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

A Conversation with Canadian Consul General Rodger Cuzner
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Capitol Hill Report with
Sen. Angus King (I-ME)
Friday, April 16, 2021
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Recent Events
Sen. Markey, Reps. Langevin and Lynch Headline March Events
The Council hosted Capitol Hill Report virtual events with several members of the New England delegation in March. These programs gave NEC members the opportunity to hear from our leaders on Capitol Hill about ongoing efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate economic growth. March guests included:

  • March 24: Senator Ed Markey (D-MA)
  • March 26: Representative Jim Langevin (D-CT)
  • March 29: Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA)

Recordings of these program - an all NEC virtual events - are available on our YouTube channel using the button below.
2020 Annual Report
NEC Annual Report Goes Digital
The New England Council's Annual Report has gone digital! Our 2020 Annual Report, "Leading New England Through the Crisis" recaps a truly unprecedented year for the Council and for our all of our members. The digital report covers the Council's successful transition to virtual programming in the spring of 2020, our advocacy in support of COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus legislation, and our ongoing efforts to keep our members informed and connected--with each other and with our leaders in Washington, DC.

Throughout the report, you will see photos submitted by Council members across the region, depicting their response and ongoing operations amid the pandemic.

We are grateful to NEC members AT&T and Liberty Mutual for their generous support of this year's Annual Report.
New England Congressional Directory
Updated Directory Now Available
The New England Council is pleased to share with you the updated edition of our New England Congressional Directory. The directory includes contact information for staff in all New England Senate and House offices, including Chiefs of Staff, Legislative Directors, Legislative Assistants, Schedulers, Communications staff, and District staff. The directory also includes each staff member's assigned issue areas. If you need assistance connecting with any New England Congressional office, please feel free to contact our staff and we are happy to assist you!
Policy Committee Updates
Healthcare Committee Hosts Health Equity Briefing
On March 17, 2021, the NEC Healthcare Committee hosted a briefing with several members of Chairman Richard Neal's House Ways & Means Committee staff, who provided a briefing on the committee's Health & Economic Equity Framework, which was released in January 2021. The staffers provided an overview of the framework and it's policy recommendations and offered their insight on the path forward for any specific legislative actions.

For more information on this meeting or on the Healthcare Committee, please contact Sean Malone.
NEC Calls on Congress to Double Pell Grant
On March 8, 2021, The New England Council wrote to the region’s Congressional delegation urging them to support doubling the maximum amount for the federal Pell Grant program. In a letter sent to each member of the New England House and Senate delegation, the Council encouraged the region’s Senators and Representatives to support any legislation put forth to double the maximum amount for the Pell Grant program, and also called for making that increased portion of the grant permanent by making it an entitlement.

For more information on this letter or on the Higher Education Committee, please contact Taylor Pichette.
Higher Ed Committee Meets with Sen. Hassan's Staff
On March 23, 2021, the NEC Higher Education Committee hosted a briefing with Brittany Matthews, Senior Education Policy Adviser in the Office of U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee. Ms. Matthews updated Council members on higher education policy matters before the 117th Congress, touching on topics ranging from workforce development, to college affordability, to student loan debt

For more information on this meeting or on the Higher Education Committee, please contact Taylor Pichette.
Member News From Our Blog
Recent NEC Member News
Welcome March New Members
Boston
98 North Washington St., Suite 303
Boston, MA 02114
617-723-4009
Washington
1411 K Street, NW., Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
202-547-0048