Amanda Claire Goodwin

Last Updated: A couple of months ago, I received an email from Rebecca Blank of SWELL, a marketing agency. Rebecca introduced herself, her role, and that she represents “an award-winning wine, spirits, and craft beer producer with operations in New York and Pennsylvania.” “New York and Pennsylvania?” I thought to myself. “How intriguing!” Most northeast producers are singularly focused on either wine, beer, or spirits as well as offering wines exclusively within their region of origin.

IN TODAY'S UNPREDICTABLE economy, the future of nearly 1 million student loan borrowers in Massachusetts is particularly precarious. Combined, they owe a whopping $31.7 billion in student loans. Their fate lies in the hands of the nine Supreme Court justices who are expected to rule on President Biden's student loan cancellation in a few months. Many observers expect the conservative court will strike down the president's plan.

ELECTRICITY. WATER. Internet access. To this list of fundamental services that enable us to have a strong and growing economy, we'd add another critical service: childcare. Over and over again, as experts in workforce development and job training and placement, we have seen how often quality, affordable, dependable childcare is the single biggest factor determining whether workers-especially women with young children-can participate in the workforce.