Massachusetts is facing a perfect storm of circumstances which, if not addressed, threaten to undermine the state’s historic advantage in attracting and retaining both businesses and talent, and could ultimately jeopardize our economic edge over other states.

Simply put: the next Governor and legislature must heed the warning signs outlined in this report – some of which have been building over many years, such as the astronomically high cost of living and doing business in this state, and some that are the direct result of a global pandemic which has created a new work paradigm, enabling people and employers to relocate elsewhere.

This report provides irrefutable evidence that Massachusetts lawmakers, with input from the business community, must develop a new blueprint for managing business and living costs to expand the state’s skilled workforce in order to grow the economy and reverse many worrying trends.