Commissioners Affirm Cape Cod’s Support for Foreign Workers
Commissioners Also Praise Children’s Cove Reaccreditation
December 18, 2024 (Barnstable, MA) – Today, the Barnstable County Commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing the vital role that foreign workers play in providing important services to Cape Cod residents and small businesses that are the backbone of Cape Cod’s economy. The Cape’s healthcare, hospitality, and building trades depend on thousands of workers – who are here legally through several federal programs, including the H2B visa program. The resolution underscores the County’s commitment to supporting foreign workers, acknowledging their contributions, addressing their challenges, and speaking out against policy changes that may impact them.
“Foreign workers are the backbone of Cape Cod’s economy, filling essential roles that provide health care to our residents and hospitality services to our visitors. Given the growing workforce shortages on Cape Cod, employers are doing more to boost wages, affordable housing and provide transportation services to our entire Cape Cod workforce. This resolution underscores our commitment to fostering a welcoming and equitable environment for the foreign workforce that is also very important to sustaining Cape Cod.” – Ron Bergstrom, Chair, Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners.
“It is a simple fact that our health care providers, our nursing homes and our assisted living centers would not survive without the immigrant labor. By supporting our immigrant workers who here on a variety of special visa programs, we are also supporting Cape Cod’s small business and the Cape residents who depend on the services that they provide. ” – Mark Forest
“Foreign workers, such as those in the Jamaican, Bulgarian, Haitian, Brazilian, and Slovakian communities, are vital to Cape Cod’s economy. Many come through H2B and J1 programs and face significant challenges, including complex processes and financial burdens. These workers are the backbone of our community, and we need to make it clear to policy makers on Beacon Hill and in Washington that we fully support and acknowledge their contributions. We are also ready to help address any challenges they may face to ensure they can continue serving our residents.” – Sheila Lyons, Vice Chair, Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners
The full and executed resolution is available at:https://www.capecod.gov/Foreign-Workers-Resolution-2024
Children’s Cove Achieves Reaccreditation
In other updates, Stacy Gallagher, Director of Children’s Cove, and Thomas King, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance, announced the program’s successful reaccreditation by the National Children’s Alliance. This milestone reflects Children’s Cove’s dedication to excellence in supporting children and families affected by abuse, adhering to the highest national standards for care and advocacy. Read details in Children’s Cove’s press release:https://www.capecod.gov/2024/12/18/childrens-cove-earns-re-accreditation-from-national-childrens-alliance/
Policy Updates and County Administrator Goals for 2025
The Commissioners approved updates to several policies, including the adoption of a new Sign-On Bonus Policy to boost recruitment efforts. The County Administrator’s goals for 2025 were also revised to include a focus on the effects of climate change and ways to mitigate some of those effects, as well as a more robust plan for public involvement concerning the County’s capital improvement plans and Superior Court renovations.
Additional agenda items were discussed. The agenda, meeting documents and video recording are accessible at the County’s online Meeting Center.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Coordinator | Sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov | 508-375-6896
