A business wish list for 2007
A new year and new leadership on Beacon Hill provide an opportunity to set the kind of priorities that will make the state a better business partner.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the past several years, it’s that economic growth doesn’t solve all problems. Without checks and balances, economic growth can sow the seeds of its own destruction. Some call this dynamic a market correction; others see it as something that can be moderated with the right economic policy.
In the last election, non-business "home and hearth" issues trumped taxes as priorities for the region’s businesses. That’s because business leaders realized that economic development incentives don’t come solely in the form of loans, bonds and tax incentives. They also come in the form of shelter, health, education and good roads. Taking cues from what we heard during the recent election, here are our New Year’s wishes for 2007.
Housing and economic development: The state’s housing market’s rapid appreciation has locked out the next wave of home buyers who otherwise would be coming into the state to take the jobs we’re begging to fill. We want to see the Patrick administration breathe new life into the Romney team’s Smart Growth initiatives, which call for building more housing near transportation nodes. We also want to see intelligent use of overlay districts in zoning plans, administered in a way that would accommodate home rule and preserve the character of our cities and towns.
Health care: The state’s Health Care Reform Act emphasizes individual responsibility by requiring almost every individual to carry some kind of health insurance. But employers are also held responsible, in ways that many may be unaware of, due to its multiple, often confusing phase-in dates. The free rider surcharge penalty, assessed against employers whose uninsured workers use the state’s $600 million free care pool, is one example. The penalty goes into effect Jan. 1, but individuals have until July 1 to get health insurance, and employers have until July 1 to offer "cafeteria" health insurance plans. The solution: Make the dates the same. It will reduce business exposure to liabilities not borne by individuals.
Education: Governor-elect Deval Patrick can move quickly to rescind Romney’s 9-C cuts to public education and workforce training initiatives. The public education cuts in Central Mass. alone total more than $1.4 million. They come after affected colleges had already committed their budgets and payrolls, which will be left short-changed. These institutions train the future workers most likely to stay in the state, and deserve our support.
Infrastructure: Up-to-date roads and bridges, and reliable cell phone service are needed to make the Massachusetts a better place to get around in and do business. The state should move quickly to improve both.
Environment: Patrick has consistently voiced support for renewable energy initiatives. Now, let’s see if he can help turn this industry into a "dollar-one" generator of jobs and wealth - one that industries that creates value from raw materials, labor and proprietary technology. Renewable energy is an industry whose time has come; Patrick and his team would be wise to seize the opportunity.
The business community needs support from its elected leader to continue – and hopefully, exceed – the economic gains of 2006. Let’s hope Beacon Hill acts to ensure that the new year is a happy one.
WBJ Web Partners
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