Neighbors,
As I campaign across our district, I get to hear the litany of concerns so many of you have: one of them is the feeling that our state is not on the right track financially, and a sense that our current leadership is not paying attention. Well yet another data point and latest economic data highlight the embarrassing gridlock on Beacon Hill and confirm what we’ve all been feeling – it’s time for a change.
Let’s look at the facts:
1. Rising Unemployment in a “Strong” Economy
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our state’s unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in August 2024, up from 3.5% in July and a significant increase from 3.3% in August 2023. While our incumbent leaders tout a “strong economy,” the data shows more and more of our neighbors are struggling to find work.
2. The Inexcusable Gridlock on Economic Development
Perhaps even more infuriating is the ongoing dispute over the economic development bond bill. A recent report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation reveals that nearly a quarter of our state’s planned capital spending for economic development is tied up in this legislative deadlock.
What makes this situation truly unacceptable is the political landscape in our state:
• Democrats hold a supermajority in both the House and Senate
• We have a Democratic governor
• The economic development bill passed the House 155-2 and the Senate 40-0
With this level of consensus and control, there is absolutely no excuse for this critical legislation to be stalled. It’s a clear sign of dysfunction and misplaced priorities among our current leaders.
The consequences of this inaction are severe.
Without this bill:
• Investments in leading edge technology (AI as an example) will not occur
• The new MassImpact program, designed to support transformational economic development projects, cannot move forward
• Existing programs may run out of resources this year
Our incumbent leaders are quick to make promises. Sen. Barry Finegold, co-chair of the Legislature’s Economic Development Committee, stated at a recent MASSterList forum, “So with our economic development bill, which we will get done, which I do expect in the next few weeks that we will get done, I think there’ll be a robust commitment and investment in clean tech, biotech and food science.”
But we’ve heard these promises before. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation rightly points out that this delay “sends the wrong message to communities and employers in the state who are looking to work with the public sector to expand economic opportunity and respond to changing conditions.”
It’s time for real leadership in Massachusetts. We need leaders who can:
1. Break through partisan gridlock and deliver results, individuals beholden to a specific party cannot accomplish this
2. Prioritize the needs of working families over political games and political infighting
3. Create an environment that attracts businesses and creates jobs
4. Invest in our future through education and infrastructure
As your candidate, I pledge to bring fresh energy and a commitment to results to Beacon Hill. We can’t afford more empty promises and legislative deadlock. Our families, our businesses, and our future depend on taking action now.
Join me in demanding better for Massachusetts. Together, we can be the start to what will be the slow but much need change in direction of our broken legislature and economy. Change that will work for everyone, not just career legislators looking to make a career out of elected office.
What are your thoughts? How has the rising unemployment rate or the delay in economic development initiatives affected you or your business? Share your experiences, and let’s work together for real change.
Sources:
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 20, 2024
• Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report, September 23, 2024
• MASSterList forum, as reported by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service, September 23, 2024
• State House News Service