Bill Rennie advocates for Massachusetts retailers at legislative committee hearing

The Joint Committee on Financial Services of the Massachusetts Legislature convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss key issues affecting the retail sector and small businesses in the state. Bill Rennie, Senior Vice President of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, provided testimony highlighting the association's role and ongoing initiatives.

Rennie emphasized that the Retailers Association, established in 1918, represents a diverse range of retail businesses, including general retail, restaurants, and cannabis shops. He noted that the majority of their members are owner-operated stores, underscoring the importance of small businesses in the Massachusetts economy.

A significant focus of Rennie's testimony was on health insurance and workers' compensation issues. He mentioned that the association operates one of the two remaining certified small group purchasing cooperatives, which provides health insurance to members in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Additionally, the Massachusetts Retail Merchants Workers' Compensation Group, established in 1991, covers over 4,000 small businesses across the Commonwealth.

Rennie also addressed the challenges of affordability in small business health insurance and payment transaction issues. He expressed enthusiasm about being appointed to a special legislative commission aimed at studying the future of payment systems, indicating a proactive approach to addressing these concerns.

The committee members acknowledged Rennie's contributions and expressed their appreciation for the work done by the Retailers Association. The discussions highlighted the ongoing commitment to support small businesses and improve the regulatory environment for the retail sector in Massachusetts. As the committee continues its work, these issues will remain central to their agenda, reflecting the vital role of retail in the state's economy.