COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133
Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 16, 2017
Senator Lovely honored by Associated Industries of Massachusetts
(Boston) – On Thursday, October 12, 2017 the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) announced that Senator Joan B. Lovely has received their Next Century Award. The announcement was made at an event in Lawrence at the Riverwalk. These regional events celebrate economic achievement and honor those individuals and businesses for their unique contributions to economic opportunity in the Commonwealth. Senator Lovely will be presented the award at a later date as the Senate was in session during the event acting upon several pieces of legislation.
At a time when compromise and collaboration are rare in politics, Senator Joan Lovely was able to broker a landmark agreement between the business community and women’s advocates that led to passage of a consensus Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The PWFA closes gaps in existing law by prohibiting discrimination against pregnant workers and explicitly requiring the provision of reasonable accommodations for pregnancy and related conditions. The bill goes into effect April of 2018.
Associated Industries of Massachusetts credited Senator Lovely with developing a bill that created on-the-job protections for pregnant workers while giving employers the flexibility to run their businesses. Governor Charlie Baker signed the PWFA on July 27, 2017.
“I am grateful for the work of AIM on this bill and thankful for the productive relationship we have been able to forge through communication and outreach on issues of mutual concern and interest,” stated Senator Lovely. “I am proud of the passage of the PWFA but make no mistake about it – without the work of AIM, their willingness to compromise and their commitment to getting something done – this would not have happened.”
“It is easy to confuse opposition to a draft of a bill with opposition to the issue itself. AIM is always willing to work with those seeking honest and effective compromise. That is exactly what happened with this legislation,” said AIM President and Chief Executive Officer Richard C. Lord.
Senator Lovely, an Assistant Majority Whip and Assistant Vice-Chair of Senate Ways and Means, is now in her third term as state senator representing Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem and Topsfield. She has served in the Massachusetts Senate since January 2013.
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