By Bob Katzen
The House 155-2, approved and sent to the Senate a $3.4 billion economic development package that supporters said includes an array of investments and policy initiatives that aim to bolster support for workers and businesses, particularly in the life sciences, clean energy technology and manufacturing industries, while retaining a larger focus on making Massachusetts more affordable and competitive.
Provisions include $500 million for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to provide grants and loans to grow the life sciences industry in Massachusetts; $400 million for MassWorks public infrastructure grants to cities and towns; $150 million for grants for cities and towns for library projects; $100 million for the Rural Development Program providing financial assistance to exclusively rural areas; $100 million for the Seaport Economic Council Grant program for municipalities for the construction and repair of coastal assets; and $100 million for Applied AI Hub Capital grant program to support the adoption and application of AI technology in the state’s tech sectors.
The bill includes several tax credits including a $30 million annual tax credit for a program to expand the Climatetech industry; $7 million annual tax credit to support pre-Broadway, pre-off Broadway, national tour launches and regional professional theater productions; $5 million per year, to support the production of video games; and a $10 million tax credit for employers, consisting of $100,000 per employee that employ for 12 weeks a recent graduate of a public or private institution of higher education in Massachusetts.
“Through billions of dollars in critical investments and tax credits, the House’s economic development bill provides support for companies at the forefront of innovation in the clean energy and the life sciences sectors, among other burgeoning industries,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “Ultimately, this legislation will help to ensure that the commonwealth remains a hub for those industries of the future, while also enhancing support for workers across Massachusetts.”
“This well-rounded economic development package makes significant, targeted investments into major sectors of the commonwealth’s economy,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “By renewing our commitment to the life sciences industry, and by making significant new investments into ClimateTech, we will be elevating the commonwealth’s economy to be able to compete and thrive for years to come.”
“This legislation promotes economic growth across all regions of the state and makes several targeted investments in key sectors like life sciences and climatetech,” said Rep. Jerry Parisella (D-Beverly), House chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “Highlights of this session’s bill include $700 million in meaningful tax credits, new permitting reforms, workforce training and consumer protections around ticket sales, electric vehicle charging and home improvement contractors. This is an exciting time in Massachusetts history and I’m proud of the work done to keep us not only competitive, but a leader in vital industries.”
Reps. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) and Nicholas Boldyga (R- Southwick), the only two members to vote against the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on the bill and why they opposed it.
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes