A recent analysis released by MassINC and the UMass Donahue Institute reveals that nearly half a million working-age residents in Massachusetts have limited English-language proficiency, representing around 10% of the state’s workforce. The analysis blames insufficient state and federal funding for ESL programs, which has not kept pace with the growth of the limited English-speaking population over the past two decades. This lack of access to high-quality ESL services is hindering this group from contributing to the state’s economy to their full potential.
According to the report, addressing the language barriers faced by these residents is crucial for social engagement, employment opportunities, and business growth. It also highlights the potential economic benefits of helping each working-age resident improve their English proficiency by one level, estimating that it could generate an additional $3 billion in annual earnings for the state.
This analysis comes as Massachusetts faces challenges such as an influx of migrants taxing the emergency shelter system and domestic out-migration due to high taxes and cost of living. Governor Maura Healey recently announced new shelter restrictions to prioritize Massachusetts families, while IRS data shows the state ranked fifth in the country for loss of gross income due to domestic migration in 2022.
The report calls for increased efforts to support LEP workers in building English skills as a solution to labor shortages that threaten the state’s economy and quality of life. It emphasizes the urgent need to provide resources and support to this growing demographic to enable them to fully participate in the workforce and contribute to the state’s economy.
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