An energetic, visionary, and proven leader, Eric Lesser will partner with our next Governor to make sure she is the most successful in the country. Together, they will work on the biggest issue our state faces: the skyrocketing cost of living. Eric has a plan to fix our broken transportation system, build more housing, create better jobs, protect our environment, and make our state more affordable and equitable.
Eric understands that Massachusetts has so much going for it. But despite our Commonwealth’s considerable advantages, it’s harder and harder to live here. It’s too expensive – housing is out of control, transportation is unreliable, and childcare costs are crushing families. Meanwhile, small pockets of our state boom while entire regions are left behind. Our current situation doesn’t work: it creates skyrocketing prices and gridlock in some places, and vacuums jobs and opportunity from others.
With economic assistance, clear public health guidance, and close relationships with local governments, Massachusetts kept our cities and towns going: helping schools stay open, supporting small businesses, and protecting public health. Eric was tapped to lead the Senate’s effort for an economic recovery.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored deep inequities that were always present in our society. As we emerge from this crisis, we must also seize the opportunity to finally address these long-standing flaws.
Eric spearheaded the Senate’s negotiations of the 2020 Economic Development and COVID Recovery Bond Bill, which helped thousands of minority-owned restaurants and small businesses stay afloat at the height of the pandemic.
Eric led the charge to pass emergency paid sick leave for COVID-19, providing tax relief for small businesses and low-income workers. He also ensured that businesses weren’t taxed on PPP and other loans, and extended the duration of unemployment insurance.
Eric was one of the first lawmakers to hold Governor Baker accountable for his botched rollout of the vaccine. After Eric called out Baker’s failures before the COVID-19 Oversight Committee, the administration fixed its broken website and streamlined the appointment system so millions of Massachusetts residents could finally get protection from COVID-19.
Eric joined his colleagues in demanding an investigation of the tragic COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and pushed for organizational oversight of the COVID-19 response to protect the health and safety of the veterans and staff.