President’s Bulletin

Over the past week, you may have noticed heightened public criticism from Beacon Hill leaders and organized labor regarding two policy proposals that may appear on the 2026 ballot—initiatives that the Massachusetts High Technology Council is co-leading alongside the Mass Opportunity Alliance (MOA) and a broad coalition of business organizations, including restaurants, retailers, small and large employers, and regional chambers of commerce.

Several recent media stories reflect this debate, including coverage from State House News Service and The Boston Globe. While the rhetoric is familiar, the underlying reality is not: Massachusetts is facing a competitiveness challenge that can no longer be ignored.

At its core, these two proposals address structural issues that are directly affecting our members, our workforce, and our economy:

1. Addressing the Commonwealth’s excessive spending and sustained budget growth, which over more than a decade has expanded at more than twice the rate of inflation and roughly 20 percent faster than household income growth.

2. Gradually reducing the state personal income tax rate between 2027 and 2029, providing meaningful relief to residents and small businesses while improving Massachusetts’ ability to retain talent and capital.

It is important to state plainly what the data shows. Massachusetts is the only state in the country that has not created net new jobs since the pandemic. At the same time, we continue to experience significant outmigration, particularly among working-age professionals, executives, and high-net-worth residents, many of whom are relocating to states with more competitive tax structures and stronger cost-of-living dynamics. Since 2021, 28 states have reduced their income tax rates; Massachusetts is the only state that has increased income taxes.

Before MOA was formed, we frequently heard a concern from business leaders: Why is the Massachusetts business community always playing defense? And just as often, a follow-up question: What does it look like to go on offense in a thoughtful, credible way?

This is what it looks like.

MOA was conceived specifically to counter misleading narratives with data, research, and a real-world business perspective. Its work has already shifted the conversation by grounding these proposals in facts rather than fear. That progress explains the intensity of the opposition we are now seeing.

Critics have labeled these ideas “irresponsible” and warned of large budget shortfalls. Those claims do not withstand scrutiny:

The early and aggressive response to these proposals signals that the conversation is changing. The months ahead will require sustained engagement and resources to ensure that voters continue to hear a clear, fact-based case for lowering costs, moderating state budget growth, and restoring Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness.

These ballot questions don’t close the door on legislative action—they open it.

We respect that legislative leaders have raised concerns about placing this question before voters. At the same time, families and employers are feeling real economic pressure, and the Commonwealth’s business climate is weakening. This proposal offers a responsible, voter-backed path forward—and an opportunity for the Legislature to engage with business and taxpayer voices and help shape a solution that strengthens our economy.

If these ideas earn public support in 2026, it will mark a meaningful step toward a stronger growth agenda that can support additional reforms in future cycles.

For the first time in a long time, we are not simply reacting. We are shaping the debate.

Thank you for your continued support and leadership. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly with questions or perspectives as we move forward.