Economic development and job growth is an issue that I have highlighted since Day 1 of the campaign, including a post back in March after the Senate President announced proposal similar to those for which I had already advocated and back in February which highlighted the need for Unemployment Insurance reform.

The real problems in need of real solutions discussed by the members of our business community this morning are very consistent with the issues that I have highlighted in my campaign as necessary for our state to be a better place to grow a business and add workers.

Today, Republican candidate for Governor, Charlie Baker, called for immediate action by the legislature to enact reforms allowing cities and towns to have the same control over employee health care benefits as is held by the state. This is an issue that has been heavily discussed in Beverly where it could save over $1 million per year - dollars that could be re-directed to more productive uses - and I have been a vocal proponent of making this happen.