The Winter 2025 issue of MassBenchmarks examines current conditions in the Massachusetts economy while highlighting policy challenges facing our state. This issue explores challenging conditions in two important health care sectors. The first examines nursing home closures in New England, a trend that carries significant economic and social consequences for the region. The second discusses significant challenges to the growth of the behavioral health sector in Massachusetts. A concluding section discusses the critical need for a plan to improve and expand ESOL Services in Massachusetts.

THE CURRENT ISSUE'S HIGHLIGHTS  

Notes from the Board
Branner Stewart
A discussion by the members of the Editorial Board of MassBenchmarks.

State of the State Economy 
Mark Melnik
Though high-line indicators point to positive economic performance statewide, Massachusetts residents remain pessimistic about high consumer prices and the policy implications of a new presidential administration.

Nursing Home Closures in Massachusetts and New England: Impact on Long-Term Care and Labor Markets
Riley Sullivan
The New England population is aging rapidly, while nursing facilities continue to close at an alarming rate — a trend that carries significant regional economic consequences without the implementation of new long-term-care policies and practices.

The Behavioral Health Workforce in Greater Boston: Recent Developments and Challenges
Branner Stewart, Andrea Alexander, & Lily Harris
Demand for behavioral health workers in Greater Boston has increased markedly since the pandemic, but the sector faces significant challenges to growth, including low wages, costly education requirements, and stressful work environments.

Endnotes: The Critical Need for an Actionable Plan to Expand ESOL Services in Massachusetts 
Ben Forman
Massachusetts needs a comprehensive plan to improve and expand ESOL services for the one-tenth of working-age residents with limited English proficiency.