Hey – It’s been a busy few weeks on the trail as we’ve rolled out the Jobs and Justice Initiative (JJI) and went on our tour across our Commonwealth. This crisis has fundamentally shifted the way we go about our daily lives and changed our economy forever – so we must be bold and bring everyone to the table to create a plan for a stronger and more just post-COVID economy.

As I head home after another day on the road, I wanted to send along some photos and stories from the past week.

Last Thursday, we started off the day in Leominster, headed up to North Adams, down through Springfield and then headed home. Along the way I toured a manufacturing plant, spoke with hops farmers, discussed innovation and the creative economy at Greylock WORKS in North Adams, toured the self-sustaining wind and solar energy resources at Berkshire East in Charlemont, talked with restaurant owners in Pittsfield, and visited Black-owned businesses in Springfield. A common theme? They all were looking for present and engaged leadership from the federal government to help them pull through this. As Senator, that's exactly what I promise to provide.

It has been great to be on the road and be able to talk about the nitty gritty details of our JJI plan. The plan will have two key phases for immediate and sustained recovery: short-term worker activation and a long-term public works program. We must identify the areas with the most pressing current needs and ensure the millions of recently unemployed Americans can safely return to work. We must then implement a large–scale public works and federal hiring program that puts Americans to work, provides economic and health stability, and builds the foundation for a just, equal, and resilient post-COVID America.

It’s a bold vision, but not a plan set in stone. That is why I’m touring across the state in the coming weeks, to ensure I have input from everyone across this state. Because as Senator, it is my promise that you always have a seat at the table as we craft legislation. This campaign – and the years in the Senate that follow will always be a reflection of you and everyone across this great state.

A few days after getting back from Western Mass, Lauren wanted to come join me – so we headed to East Boston to meet with local business owners, community leaders, and knock on some doors.

This turned a few heads – because for far too long, our leadership has failed to be a part of the communities they represent. On September 1st, we must change that. My vow is to show up over and over and over again – we can’t allow our communities to feel as if they don’t have a partner in the Senate any longer.

Out of this devastation, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build a better future – but that requires new leadership that can meet this moment.

I am determined to be present. To provide that leadership. To bring us the future we all need and deserve after this crisis and beyond.

But I can’t do it alone. This campaign is made for and built by you. Will you join our movement by becoming a volunteer or making a donation? Together, we can bring the leadership we deserve to the Senate for Massachusetts.

Stay safe. Be strong. Talk soon.

– Joe