Skill-based immigration could ease labor shortage

A recent Biden administration executive order that amends the Schedule A list, which identifies occupations experiencing labor shortages and allows immigrants in those occupations to expedite their employment in the U.S., could positively impact the hiring of skilled international workers for years to come — a welcome development as the country and Massachusetts struggle to attract talent amidst a worsening labor shortage.

Installing bike and bus lanes requires public debate

The problem isn’t with the concept of bike lanes but, rather, the lack of public conversation or transparency. Municipal governments are changing the infrastructure and character of entire neighborhoods and small commercial centers with little input from those most affected.

Licensing burdens thwart economic growth in Massachusetts

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Immigrants account for 17% of Massachusetts residents but start a quarter of the Commonwealth’s new businesses. These entrepreneurs could create even more jobs that further lift wages and standard of living if not for the unnecessary obstacle of restrictive state and local occupational licensing laws.

Taxachusetts Must Be Stopped

Going back to the bad old days of Taxachusetts would be an almost unfathomable mistake. Between the $3 billion bombshell that upended the recent legislative session, the ambiguity about how the tax revenue will actually be spent, and the contrasting examples of neighboring New Hampshire and Connecticut, Bay State voters have plenty of reasons to come back to reality and reject the ill-conceived proposal to amend the Massachusetts constitution this November.

WSJ op-ed: Don’t Make Massachusetts ‘Taxachusetts’ Again

Unlike many blue states, Massachusetts has resisted the temptation to raise taxes on high earners. That antitax fortitude is about to be tested. In November, state legislators will ask voters to approve an amendment to the Massachusetts constitution adding a 4% surcharge to annual income over $1 million.

A wealth tax, a SCOTUS case, and a likely Mass. exodus

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Op-ed in The Boston Globe: A case New Hampshire filed with the US Supreme Court last October against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts could have a huge impact on state finances nationwide. It also raises the stakes as the Massachusetts Legislature considers amending the state constitution to eliminate the state’s prohibition against a graduated income tax and to hike taxes on high earners.

Enacting ‘Millionaires’ Taxes’ Will Set Back State Recoveries

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Even as countless citizens and businesses are struggling, many state governments are faced with large deficits that hinder their ability to help. As a result, some, such as Massachusetts, are considering raising taxes on high-earners to generate revenue. But in its report, “Connecticut’s Dangerous Game: How the Nation’s Wealthiest State Scared Off Businesses and Worsened Its Financial Crisis,” the Boston-based Pioneer Institute provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of going down the path taken by the Bay State’s neighbor, Connecticut.

Targeted government help for small business is needed

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Covid-19 will frame economic policy discussions for years to come, just as the Great Recession did a decade ago. The economic impact of the pandemic includes widespread job losses, and millions of Americans are at risk of falling into poverty. Covid-19 is also accelerating pre-existing market trends – such as automation and online shopping – and their potentially devastating impact on the thousands of small businesses vulnerable to these market shifts. Will these businesses be able to adapt?

Congress should fix aid, provide block grants

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This op-ed by Greg Sullivan and Charlie Chieppo appeared in the…

Why Are We So Scared And Impatient?

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This op-ed by Barbara Anthony appeared in WGBH News on March…

Op-ed: Connecticut example argues against millionaires’ tax

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This op-ed appeared in The Boston Business Journal on February…

The Boston Globe: Create work with on-the-job training

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The value of work cannot be overstated. If you love what you’re…

NECN Interview: A123 becomes latest ‘green energy’ failure

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Jim Stergios, executive director of the free-market-oriented Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research, called A123’s bankruptcy filing "just one more piece of evidence that this a failed jobs strategy. The government is not good at picking winners and losers, and it's not working for Massachusetts."

Hollywood’s in town

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http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2012/07/07/hollywood_arrives_in_small_massachusetts_towns_cash_in_hand_and_stars_on_location/?page=2 When…

Three of 12 Ventures Funded by Romney-Created Energy Fund Failed

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http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-06/three-of-12-ventures-funded-by-romney-created-energy-fund-failed A…

As governor, Romney picked winners and losers of his own

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - It would be a triumphant moment for any…

The Mystery of 38 Studios Demise

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http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2012/05/25/mystery-38-studios-demise/ First…

State Senate Candidate Supports Keyes’ Legislative Integrity Plan

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http://tewksbury.patch.com/articles/state-senate-candidate-supports-keyes-legislative-integrity-plan In…

State Roundup: State Spending Drops $290 Billion In 5 Years

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News outlets examine a variety of state health policy issues,…

Attracting Business Without Giving Away the Store

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http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-state-tax-incentive-economic-development-pew-study.html Each…

Dover, Sherborn jobs: More out of work

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http://www.wickedlocal.com/sherborn/news/x221033500/Dover-Sherborn-jobs-More-out-of-work#axzz2NReSO0VO Dover-Sherborn…

Debt From Big Dig Hampers Mass. Transportation

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http://www.wbur.org/2012/04/08/debt-big-dig BOSTON — For…

Jobs picture in Mass. brightens a bit

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http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x586830106/Jobs-picture-in-Mass-brightens-a-bit Local…

Jobless rates rise in most towns, but remain lower than early 2011

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http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/newsnow/x503114713/Jobless-rates-rise-in-most-towns-but-are-better-than-a-year-ago?zc_p=1 Unemployment…

Is It Manufacturing’s Moment?

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http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2012/02/03/is-it-manufacturings-moment/ Manufacturing…

Patrick’s economic development plan is flawed

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http://www.heraldnews.com/newsnow/x66783145/GUEST-OPINION-Patricks-economic-development-plan-is-flawed Gov.…

Poftak: Freeze the unemployment tax

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http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/opinion/columnists/x2062852269/Poftak-Freeze-the-unemployment-tax#axzz2NGLZfsv3 You…

Can employers require job applicants to have a high school diploma?

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http://boston.com/community/blogs/rock_the_schoolhouse/2012/01/can_employers_require_job_appl.html BNA,…

How to Fill the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles

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http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2011/12/21/how-to-fill-the-salvation-armys-red-kettles/ The…

The Boston Globe: State’s focus is too narrow for job creation

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We need a new approach to put the hundreds of thousands of unemployed Massachusetts citizens back to work. We need to stop picking winners and losers, and stop making such concentrated, publicly funded bets on specific companies and industries.