Legislative Statement

Legislative Statement

The Salem Chamber proudly serves as the voice of the Salem business community. Our leadership on issues that impact both residents and businesses is important. We mostly focus on local and regional issues, but in the current political environment it is important to be vocal where needed.

For Massachusetts, the threat to funding for research, technology and education, is deeply concerning. Robust and continued financial support for our educational institutes and for federal research funding is essential, as our higher education institutions and world-renowned hospitals are a key Massachusetts strength.

We commend Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s guidance on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace (2/13/2025: “Multi-State Guidance Concerning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Employment Initiatives”). Our member businesses consistently face challenges in attracting skilled and motivated workers. Embracing inclusive practices across all demographics is essential to meeting critical workforce needs and ensuring Salem’s continued prosperity.

The introduction – and subsequent pause – of recent tariffs by the Trump administration has underscored the importance of our trade relationships, especially with our Canadian neighbors, whose partnership is vital to Salem’s tourist economy. The Salem Chamber stands with the US Chamber in opposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, and steel imports. We believe that such measures neither resolve our border challenges nor address the nation’s struggle with fentanyl addiction, and they will only serve to increase costs for American families and businesses.

Finally, we strongly support the need for sensible immigration reform to expand the workforce. The federal government must broaden work authorizations, visas, and formal immigration pathways while streamlining migration processes at our border. The recent revocation of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Venezuelans—many of whom are integral members of our workforce and community—poses a significant threat to our local economy.

The Salem Chamber remains committed to celebrating and supporting our immigrant workers and neighbors, recognizing their vital role in our community’s growth and success. We also unequivocally oppose any actions that target vulnerable populations, including transgender and LGBTQ youth. Such discriminatory measures undermine the dignity, safety, and rights of those who most deserve our unwavering support and respect.