Work and Family Mobility Act
Equal Access to Drivers Licenses for our Immigrant Neighbors
Think about the last time you went to work, visited the doctor, took your children to school, or picked up groceries for dinner. How did you get there? If you're like many of us in the Berkshires, you drove.
Now imagine... How would you have done it all if you couldn't drive a car?
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If you don't think you could manage for more than a day or two, you're not alone. A full 78% of Massachusetts workers age 16 and older get to work by car, truck or van.
Without a vehicle or license, reliable transportation becomes a barrier to work and social life. This is especially true for undocumented immigrants, who currently cannot obtain a Massachusetts drivers license.
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Just like us, undocumented immigrants work and take their children to school.
However, they live with the fear of detention or deportation every time they get behind the wheel.
Ironically, many must also attend court dates and ICE check-ins, where missing an appointment can make or break a case for citizenship.
Our rich cultural fabric and growing economy also depend on their ability to get where they need to go. In 2016, undocumented immigrants contributed $8.8 billion to the Massachusetts economy, and they paid an estimated $184.6 million in state and local taxes.
For these humanitarian and economic reasons, our Berkshire legislators support The Work and Family Mobility Act (H.3012 / S.2061). The Act was co-sponsored by Massachusetts State Representatives Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Christine Barber, as well as Massachusetts Senator Brendan Crighton.
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The Act would enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts Drivers License, regardless of immigration status, while keeping our Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements.
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BIO, fully supports the Act as a way to empower our immigrant neighbors to live independent lives and contribute to the success of the Berkshires. And it's a way to protect our community members while making sure that all our state’s drivers pass the same test and understand the rules of the road.
Taking Urgent Action​
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After the Massachusetts Major Cities Chiefs of Police Association (MMCCPA) endorsed the Act, BIO joined the Driving Families Forward Coalition in building support in the Berkshires.
We were able to secure endorsements from public officials such as Pittsfield's Mayor Tyer, former North Adams' Mayor Bernard, and Reps. Mark and Pignatelli.
In February 2022, the Massachusetts House passed H.4461, The Work & Family Mobility Act. The bill is on to the Senate! See more details about the bill below.
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Social Media
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For more details about this bill, visit the
Driving Families Forward Facebook Page
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Who's on Board: Endorsements from
the Berkshires
Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer
When asked if she supported the Work and Family Mobility Act, Mayor Linda Tyer said, "I'm one hundred percent with you!"
Former North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard
Mayor Bernard is an passionate supporter of the Work and Family Mobility Act. Bernard writes,
"I met earlier today with residents and members of Berkshire Interfaith Organizing about H. 3012/S. 2061, An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility. Our conversation made both the advocacy and resident impact cases for supporting the bill.
I agree with the local perspective, as well as the numerous supporting organizations, that enabling qualified residents to obtain driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status will enhance physical and economic mobility for residents while demonstrating our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community for all residents."
State Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Paul Mark, and Smitty Pignatelli
Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier is the lead co-sponsor of the bill. Her fellow Reps Paul Mark and and Smitty Pignatelli have signed on to the Senate version of the bill and pledged to vote in the affirmative, respectively.
Senator Adam Hinds
Senator Hinds is a co-sponsor of the bill, along with Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier. We thank him for his initiative and steady support!
District Attorney Andrea Harrington
Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington is a supporter of the Work and Family Mobility Act. We thank her for her support!
The Berkshire Eagle
Berkshire County's leading newspaper, the Berkshire Eagle, published an op-ed in support of the Act.
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Our Opinion: Sound case for drivers license bill. February 7, 2020.