"'Finally we’re seeing the private sector, the business community, understand the importance of this ‘system’ to the economy,' said Mary Jo Meisner, a member of the Boston Women Leaders Network, which endorsed the legislation. The Common Start legislation would change...

"'At foundational level, it's an economic development bill for the Commonwealth,' bill co-sponsor state Sen. Susan Moran said. 'It's going to allow parents to get back into the workforce. It's going to allow children to get a jumpstart on their education.'"...

"'As we recover from the pandemic, making this generational investment in children, families, providers, and early educators will help combat racial and gender inequities, reduce income inequality, and jumpstart our economy; it’s the single best investment we can make...

"Massachusetts would gradually establish a universal system of early education and child care from birth through age 5, under a new and pricey bill backed by a statewide coalition of more than 120 groups."...