RAM members are urged to contact their elected officials and request support for using available federal and state resources to replenish the depleted Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.  The recent pandemic resulted in a $7 billion UI deficit, which employers will have to pay off via assessments over the next 20 years.

The deficit was caused by government’s decision to shut down the economy during the pandemic -- not business related decisions made by employers. Massachusetts should take on a shared responsibility in covering these costs by following the more than 30 states that have already used available federal recovery funds to replenish their COVID-depleted UI Trust Funds.

Please ask your elected officials to support the appropriation of $2 billion in available funds for UI to mitigate the enduring economic impact of this unprecedented tax increase. 

To learn more about the issue:

UI Tax Relief needed now talking points 

RAM Editorial: Employers alone can’t foot the $7 billion bill for unemployment insurance

RAM Letter to the Legislature on UI Relief

Click here to contact your elected officials,

RAM is predicting 6% increase in local holiday shopping sales based upon a survey of their membership. RAM’s 6% prediction for holiday sales is lower than the national projections of 8.5%-10.5% by the National Retail Federation (NRF).  

 

In an effort to boost holiday sales, RAM was joined by Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito in launching a holiday consumer awareness campaign on Monday to promote the importance of spending in the local economy. 

 

“Much of the Massachusetts economy relies on all of us doing our part, so we need to shop like jobs depend on it, because they do,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “By choosing local, you’re sustaining jobs in your community.”

 

“We are asking Massachusetts’ holiday shoppers to remember that where they invest their dollars makes a big difference in the local economy,” RAM President Jon Hurst said. “We are asking consumers to commit to investing a good portion of their spending budgets right here in our communities.”

 

“The local retail shops and restaurants across the Commonwealth are what help make our communities so vibrant and unique,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Shopping local is more important than ever, as we all work to recover from the challenges of the past two years.”

 

“Buying local is an important way that residents can help their local communities, and we are proud to partner with the Retailers Association of Massachusetts to remind people to support their local Main Street shops this holiday season,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.

 

The #BuyInMA advertising campaign consists of radio and digital ads, which will in turn suggest consumers visit BuyInMA.org, featuring promotions and savings from local stores and restaurants.  With consumers representing 70% of the economy, the campaign is designed to remind shoppers that it is economically important to spend locally. 

 

The radio campaign will run for two weeks on radio stations across the state and compliment the digital effort. (Click here for audio file of the :30 second spot that starts today.)

                        Hall of Fame Award                         

ATKINS FARMS

 

                          Hall of Fame Award                           

CHATHAM JEWELERS

             Hall of Fame Award               

EGGER’S FURNITURE

 

             Restaurant of the Year          

PRINCE PIZZERIA

 

Retailer of the Year

GEORGE WASHINGTON TOMA TV & APPLIANCE

 

 

All Massachusetts employers must distribute information to their employees and display a workplace poster that explains Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML).

RAM members are reminded that BCBSMA health insurance plans, with effective dates through the end of the year, may still be purchased through association’s health insurance cooperative at a 3% discount off available rates. 
 

With the discount set to expire in the new year, the cooperative will be expanding its package of free ancillary benefits in an effort to continue providing value to participating members.  Starting January 1, 2022, all members purchasing a BCBSMA health plan through the cooperative will also receive free accident, life, vision, hospital indemnity and employer assistance plans for their employees, as well as access to fee-waived health financial accounts.    

For members enrolling or renewing their BCBSMA health plan prior to the new year, this presents a unique opportunity to take advantage of both the current 3% money-saving discount for another year while also receiving the value added benefits come January.