Nearly half a million working-age Massachusetts residents lack English proficiency: report

According to a new report by MassInc and UMass Donahue, over 450,000 working-age residents in Massachusetts lack English proficiency. that makes up about 10% of the workforce.

The report highlights the lack of funding for English-as-a-second-language (ESOL) programs as immigrant numbers continue to rise. The report urges officials to increase and improve access to ESOL programs.

An increase in English proficiency has the potential to generate around $3 billion in additional earnings for local economies. According to the report, that indicates an urgent need for increased ESOL services.