On Tuesday, March 15, Governor Charlie Baker took part in a roundtable to discuss reforms contributing to opioid treatment initiatives with his Opioid Working Group at Hope House in Boston. Later, the Governor traveled to the SouthCoast to tour the largest men’s tailored clothing manufacturer in North America and a public vocational high school.

At Hope House, Governor Baker met with Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders and the Governor’s Opioid Working Group to discuss accomplishments in the fight against drug addiction and the steps that must be taken as the Administration looks at the “long and winding and difficult road” ahead. (SHNS)

Just 13 months ago here @ Hope House we announced a Working Group to develop an opioid strategy. Today, we have a landmark law on the books.

— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) March 15, 2016

After laying out what the government has done and plans to do, an individual in recovery from heroin shared his own perspective with officials about treatment within the Commonwealth and what needs to be done after the treatment and recovery phases.

In New Bedford, Governor Baker took a tour of the Joseph Abboud manufacturing factory from company founder Joseph Abboud. Joining them were New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and several local legislators. The factory employs more than 800 employees and produces over 320,000 suits per year.

Toured the @JosephAbboud Factory in #NewBedford that employs 800. Good to speak w ppl in #Manufacturing. #MadeInMA pic.twitter.com/QA6oU6QQxu

— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) March 15, 2016

After touring the plant and meeting with several employees, some having been working there for decades, Gov. Baker emphasized the important role manufacturing still plays in the Commonwealth.

“We talk a lot about a high-tech state, we talk a lot about health care, we talk a lot about education and finance but there’s still a lot of manufacturing in Massachusetts and we need to remember that and talk about it and support it,” Gov. Baker said.

The final stop of the day was at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School in Taunton. There, Governor Baker met with staff, faculty and students in a sign of support for vocational higher education.

The Baker-Polito Administration has already proposed $83.5 million in vocational funding between the FY17 budget and economic development bill. Gov. Baker said the training students receive from vocational programs translate into their post-graduate years, regardless of where they end up.

Enjoyed visiting with continuing education students at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School. #voced4ma pic.twitter.com/nADNIorZ25

— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) March 15, 2016

“The kids for the most part find the connection between what happens in school and what happens later in life,” Baker said.

The Administration’s focus stretches beyond students in the classroom to the support of more adult education programs that can offer new job possibilities for unemployed and underemployed adults across the state.

Tags: addiction, charlie baker, manufacturing, new bedford, opioid addiction, vocational education