State of Massachusetts secondary Archives: on Corporations


Allen Waters: Free enterprise with lower taxes is the key

Working people aren't progressing like they used to. Another reason I am running is America has also failed the poor, generations of people stuck at the lowest rungs, and too many middle class people sliding right down the pole with them. I believe free and fair enterprise with less regulation, lower, simpler taxes, and less top heavy crony capitalism, is the key to help repair the failure on poverty and progress.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Massachusetts Senate race Jan 31, 2017

Beth Lindstrom: Cut corporate taxes

Amid a national debate over the tax code, Lindstrom said she wants to cut the corporate tax rate and expand the child tax credit for every family.
Source: The Lowell Sun on 2018 Massachusetts Senate race Oct 15, 2017

Bob Massie: Ceres Reporting Initiative: socially rate pension funds

I have long worried about the rise in corporate power. I edited a book ("The Big Business Reader") 37 years ago about how government was losing its ability to regulate corporations. Maybe we could organize progressive shareholders to influence corporations--in particular, religious and union pension holders, who own massive amounts of stock.

So that's what we did. I became the director of Ceres, a coalition of labor and environmental activists working with the biggest pension funds in the country. We used the huge influence of our coalition to demand that multinational corporations measure and disclose about the effect of their actions on the climate, on working conditions, and on race and social justice.

We launched an international non-profit called the Global Reporting Initiative that set a new international standard for measuring whether corporations were making progress or going backwards. This has had great success. Today 12,000 companies have adopted the new standards.

Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race Dec 20, 2017

Brian Herr: 29 years in the commercial construction business

With 29 years in the commercial construction business, Brian Herr has seen small businesses struggle to address the challenges of today's changing economy. Now Brian is running for the United States Senate because he believes that the key to putting America back on track is to elect leaders that approach problem solving with an open mind and a strong background in the private sector. Brian believes the dysfunction in Washington must come to an end and Massachusetts can lead the way once again!
Source: 2014 Massachusetts Senate campaign website, BrianHerr.com Feb 6, 2014

Danielle Allen: Focus on corporate purpose and stakeholder capitalism

Danielle sees the path to a fair and flourishing economy in a focus on good jobs, corporate purpose, and stakeholder capitalism.

Danielle sees educational excellence as depending on innovation in our approach to K-12 accountability to restore the joy of learning, positive labor-management relationships in schools, and reinvestment in public higher education.

Danielle sees sustainability as building from municipal climate action plans to statewide commitments.

Danielle seeks to bring to as many people as possible the joy of empowerment, the true reward of participating in a community of free and equal self-governing citizens.

Source: 2022 Massachusetts Gubernatorial website AllenForMA.com Jan 15, 2022

Deval Patrick: Regulation at the speed of business

Consistent with good environmental stewardship, no state permit or approval process will take more than 6 months. Businesses will have one place to go to manage through necessary state approvals. We will work with local authorities & interested parties to pre-permit development sites and anticipate infrastructure needs so that they are development-ready. I will sign into law the pending legislative proposal to stimulate the Massachusetts economy.
Source: Moving Massachusetts Forward, Patrick’s policy booklet, p. 4 Sep 15, 2005

Deval Patrick: Access to start-up capital for small businesses

State funds will leverage private capital in private investment funds to provide start-up capital for new enterprises across the State, with an emphasis on small businesses. The more jobs created by the new enterprise, particularly in distressed areas, the more favorable the terms for repayment.  Sign Economic Stimulus Package into Law.
Source: Moving Massachusetts Forward, Patrick’s policy booklet, p. 4 Sep 15, 2005

Elizabeth Warren: Proposes new federal limits for corporations

Warren would impose four changes to corporate governance. First, limit short-term stock selling by corporate executives and directors. Second, require corporations to obtain the consent of 75 percent of board members and shareholders for any political spending. Third require corporate boards "to consider the interests of all major corporate stakeholders--not only shareholders--in company decisions." Finally, "Employees would elect at least 40 percent of directors."
Source: Jacobin Magazine on 2018 Massachusetts Senate race Sep 6, 2018

Geoff Diehl: Get government off the back of small business

Has a track record of supporting the economic engine of our state and country - small business. Geoff will push for regulatory and tax reform that will get government off the backs of small business so they can create more jobs. When employment grows, there is competition for employees which raises wages. Geoff Diehl will grow small business jobs, not government jobs.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website DiehlForSenate.com Oct 1, 2017

Heidi Wellman: Accountability of current program funds

We need a position created to read through and determine if all of the money we are spending on programs is well managed. I don't believe in cutting budgets or programs but in creating accountability. If we lower the tax rate for corporations to encourage more business, we need accountability and evidence that the money saved is being reinvested into labor and creating jobs and not being turned into profit for a few.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website HeidiForSenate.com Oct 15, 2017

Jesse Gordon: Nationalize banks, or break up those too-big-to-fail

Q: Huge financial institutions must be broken up so they are no longer too big to fail.

A: Agree.

Candidate's position on this issue: The financial crisis that began in 2008 should have resulted in the nationalization of the big banks, and their breakup and return to community banking

Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race Jul 31, 2017

John Kingston: Unleash our entrepreneurs

We need to ensure that we continue to compete globally. But that is not accomplished by government programs. It's accomplished by:
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website JohnKingston.com Oct 15, 2017

Karyn Polito: Voted YES on Extending corporate tax credit 5 years

Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting NO in Part IV: Economic Growth:A Healthy Business Environment. [State Rep. Polito, a Republican, voted YES].

Would extend corporate tax credit 5 years. Vote was on an amendment to the FY04 Budget, Outside Section 165, changing the limit on corporate tax credits from 14 years to 19 years. The corporate tax credit is in MGL 63-31a, which allows an excise tax credit for manufacturing companies on leased equipment.

Relevant section of platform:PART IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOBS & SECURITY: A Healthy Business Environment: "We support tax incentives for business when accompanied by commitments to good corporate citizenship and enforceable terms assuring continued investment in Massachusetts."

Source citation: Bill H.4000 Section 165 ; vote number 71

Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org May 1, 2003

Karyn Polito: Voted NO on closing $85 million in corporate tax loopholes

Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH: Clause 3, corporate tax havens. [State Rep. Polito, a Republican, voted NO].

This vote was on an amendment to an omnibus tax reform bill. The amendment would close $85 million in corporate tax loopholes, including one loophole that allows companies to shift profits out of state in order to avoid taxation. A vote of YES indicates support of closing the corporate tax loopholes.

The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part iv, ECONOMIC GROWTH, Clause 3: We support sanctions to prohibit companies that utilize offshore tax havens, thereby avoiding payment of state and federal taxes, from gaining lucrative contracts for business with the state and federal government.

Bill H. 4163, doc. 4167 ; vote number H074

Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org Jun 15, 2005

Karyn Polito: Voted NO on Defeating corporate tax disclosure

Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting NO in Part IV: Economic Growth:A Healthy Business Environment. [State Rep. Polito, a Republican, voted NO].

Would study corporate tax disclosure, defeating measure to implement it. The vote is to amend Section 470 of the FY04 budget (New Section 457a) to establish a special commission on taxation, consisting of 5 Democrats and 2 Republicans. The Commission will make its recommendations in January 2004 [hence postponing the disclosure rule until the next fiscal year].

Relevant section of platform:PART IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOBS & SECURITY: A Healthy Business Environment: "We support monitoring the costs of doing business in the Commonwealth, so that companies can grow and compete while still meeting their obligations to workers and the community."

Source citation: Bill H.4000 Section 470 ; vote number 69

Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org May 1, 2003

Marty Walsh: Voted YES on defeating corporate tax disclosure

Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting NO in Part IV: Economic Growth:A Healthy Business Environment. [State Rep. Walsh voted YES].

Would study corporate tax disclosure, defeating measure to implement it. The vote is to amend Section 470 of the FY04 budget (New Section 457a) to establish a special commission on taxation, consisting of 5 Democrats and 2 Republicans. The Commission will make its recommendations in January 2004 [hence postponing the disclosure rule until the next fiscal year].

Relevant section of platform:PART IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOBS & SECURITY: A Healthy Business Environment: "We support monitoring the costs of doing business in the Commonwealth, so that companies can grow and compete while still meeting their obligations to workers and the community."

Source citation: Bill H.4000 Section 470 ; vote number 69

Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org May 1, 2003

Marty Walsh: Voted YES on Extending corporate tax credit 5 years

Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting NO in Part IV: Economic Growth:A Healthy Business Environment. [State Rep. Walsh voted YES].

Would extend corporate tax credit 5 years. Vote was on an amendment to the FY04 Budget, Outside Section 165, changing the limit on corporate tax credits from 14 years to 19 years. The corporate tax credit is in MGL 63-31a, which allows an excise tax credit for manufacturing companies on leased equipment.

Relevant section of platform:PART IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOBS & SECURITY: A Healthy Business Environment: "We support tax incentives for business when accompanied by commitments to good corporate citizenship and enforceable terms assuring continued investment in Massachusetts."

Source citation: Bill H.4000 Section 165 ; vote number 71

Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org May 1, 2003

Marty Walsh: Voted YES on closing $85 million in corporate tax loopholes

Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH: Clause 3, corporate tax havens. [State Rep. Walsh, a Democrat, voted YES].

This vote was on an amendment to an omnibus tax reform bill. The amendment would close $85 million in corporate tax loopholes, including one loophole that allows companies to shift profits out of state in order to avoid taxation. A vote of YES indicates support of closing the corporate tax loopholes.

The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part iv, ECONOMIC GROWTH, Clause 3: We support sanctions to prohibit companies that utilize offshore tax havens, thereby avoiding payment of state and federal taxes, from gaining lucrative contracts for business with the state and federal government.

Bill H. 4163, doc. 4167 ; vote number H074

Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org Jun 15, 2005

Maura Healey: Allow communities to enact local rent stabilization policies

Source: 2022 Massachusetts Governor campaign website MauraHealey.com Jun 7, 2022

Scott Brown: Voted NO on Defeating corporate tax disclosure

Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting NO in Part IV: Economic Growth:A Healthy Business Environment. [State Senator Brown, a Republican, voted NO].

Would study corporate tax disclosure, defeating measure to implement it. The vote is to amend Section 470 of the FY04 budget (New Section 457a) to establish a special commission on taxation, consisting of 5 Democrats and 2 Republicans. The Commission will make its recommendations in January 2004 [hence postponing the disclosure rule until the next fiscal year].

Relevant section of platform:PART IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOBS & SECURITY: A Healthy Business Environment: "We support monitoring the costs of doing business in the Commonwealth, so that companies can grow and compete while still meeting their obligations to workers and the community."

Source citation: Bill H.4000 Section 470 ; vote number 69

Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org May 1, 2003

Scott Brown: Voted YES on Extending corporate tax credit 5 years

Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting NO in Part IV: Economic Growth:A Healthy Business Environment. [State Senator Brown, a Republican, voted YES].

Would extend corporate tax credit 5 years. Vote was on an amendment to the FY04 Budget, Outside Section 165, changing the limit on corporate tax credits from 14 years to 19 years. The corporate tax credit is in MGL 63-31a, which allows an excise tax credit for manufacturing companies on leased equipment.

Relevant section of platform:PART IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOBS & SECURITY: A Healthy Business Environment: "We support tax incentives for business when accompanied by commitments to good corporate citizenship and enforceable terms assuring continued investment in Massachusetts."

Source citation: Bill H.4000 Section 165 ; vote number 71

Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org May 1, 2003

Setti Warren: Downgrading of Massachusetts bond rating is a serious thing

On his reaction to the downgrading of Massachusetts bond rating: "As a municipal leader, as a Mayor, I know how serious a downgrading is. It is a very serious thing. It may mean we may not be able to implement projects, pay for services in the near future & the long term. But, it's also a very serious indicator of the fact that the state is using one time revenue sources to keep this budget afloat. We're not being honest and direct and clear about what it takes to maintain what we have and going We also need to be honest about our revenue projections, which have been off in the last couple of years. I'm calling for multi-year revenue projections, I'm calling for us to look at every single expenditure in that budget including tax expenditures that are given away to special interests, and be honest about revenue. Then we can make the investments that matter so we can deal with economic inequality in the state."
Source: WBUR.org on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race Jun 12, 2017

Shannon Liss-Riordan: I see the games corporations play to rig the system

Labor lawyer Shannon Liss-Riordan has spent most of her career fighting against large companies on behalf of workers. "Every day I'm in courts fighting for workers. I see the games corporations play, the ways they're trying to use their power to rig the system, and fuel profits off the backs of working people," Liss-Riordan told The Republican / MassLive. "I made a decision I should take the skills and experience I've developed fighting to enforce the law for working people--take that to Washington to try to change the law."

Liss-Riordan recently settled a high-profile lawsuit against Uber, in which she accused the company of incorrectly classifying their employees as independent contractors. Uber agreed to pay $100 million to settle lawsuits. She has previously filed suits against companies including Starbucks, American Airlines, FedEx and others over workers' rights issues such as misclassifying workers and misusing workers' tips.

Source: Springfield Republican on 2020 Massachusetts Senate race May 22, 2019

Steve Grossman: OpEd: Combines progressive values with business experience

When a candidate touts deep roots in liberal causes and a long track record of supporting progressive candidates, voters think: Democrat. When a candidate says that he's a businessman who has created jobs, voters usually think: Republican. Democratic state Treasurer Steve Grossman feels that he successfully can combine both notions into a winning campaign, one that sends a sort of hybrid progressive businessman to the State House Corner Office.

Grossman is hoping for a bit of role reversal. We've seen many instances where progressive candidates offer a sheaf of plans to create jobs only to be shot down by an opponent, usually a Republican, with something like, "Plans are great but I'm the only one in the race who has actually created good jobs at good wages." This time though, Grossman feels that he's the one that can say that with conviction because of his and his family's experience with the Grossman Marketing Group, formerly the Massachusetts Envelope Co., a very successful local firm.

Source: Boston Herald OpEd on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial race Dec 31, 2013

  • The above quotations are from Commonwealth of Massachusetts Politicians: secondary Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Corporations.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2016 Presidential contenders on Corporations:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org!
Click for details -- or send donations to:
1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
(We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023