Policy Paper: Strengthen Our Economy and Create Jobs
Introductory Video
Download Policy Paper
Full Text

"It is critical that we work together to strengthen our economy and create jobs in order to move forward as a Commonwealth and not lose ground in the face of rising energy, food, and health care costs. Massachusetts workers are some of the best qualified and educated workers in the country—we need to give them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed."

         Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a leader in Education, Life Sciences, High Tech, Health Care and Finance. We must maintain the infrastructure that allows these industries to remain healthy, while investing in new, growing sectors that will create high quality jobs. I propose that we strengthen our economy and create jobs by investing in the clean energy economy, investing in our basic infrastructure, educating our workforce, and providing property tax relief.

Invest in the Clean Energy Economy

As fossil fuel energy prices rise there is a growing need for new, clean and renewable energy sources. Massachusetts has the research capability, investment resources, and manufacturing capacity to be a leader in this rapidly growing sector. We should build on the success of the new Evergreen Solar facility in Devens that will provide 700 new jobs to our area. I will work to target this area for growth in a similar fashion to the recently passed Massachusetts Life Sciences legislation, giving tax incentives to businesses that can be certified as clean energy projects. A reasonable investment today will allow Massachusetts to maintain its edge as a center of science and innovation and also create quality jobs for our workers.

Invest in our Infrastructure

We have seen through the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis, the consequences of a failing infrastructure. Investing in our Commonwealth's infrastructure has the double benefit of giving us the foundation we need to support our businesses and families, while also providing much needed jobs. I support investment in the areas of bridges and roads, drinking water and reservoir maintenance, public safety investment, and broadband internet access for underserved communities. The issuing of bonds to pay for critical infrastructure projects during an economic downturn is good policy, and provides a way to create jobs and maintain the foundation we need to support the economy of our Commonwealth.

Educate our Workers

I am committed to providing the best educational opportunities to the citizens of our Commonwealth. An educated workforce is essential to fostering new businesses and encouraging existing companies to move to Massachusetts. I will work to provide better support for our K through 12 public schools by supporting adequate and equitable distribution of Chapter 70 school aid, re-establishment of transportation aid of non-regional school districts, and fully funding the special education circuit breaker. Our modern economy will also require some level of college education from almost every worker. I will support legislation to make it easier for all students to have access to community college, and to provide support to students who are ready to take college courses while still in high school.

Provide Property Tax Relief

Companies will not stay in Massachusetts unless their workers can afford housing. Homeowners in Massachusetts have faced a dramatic rise in property taxes as cities and towns struggle to pay for increased health care, energy and education costs. Many residents are being priced out of the towns they have lived in their whole lives. Recent legislation to open up the State's health insurance program to municipalities and the closing of the telecommunications company property tax loop hole are steps in the right direction. I support property tax relief for those in need by increasing and reforming the formula for the Senior Circuit Breaker. In addition, the investments we make in growing the clean energy economy and investing in our infrastructure will ultimately result in increased revenue and decrease the burden on homeowners in the Commonwealth.