GOP pitches jobs legislation, ideas

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - With less than half the legislative session left on the calendar, GOP lawmakers are putting forward their ideas heading into the 2013 state budget.

“The best social program out there is a job that gives you the resources to support your family,” said Rep. Bradley Jones (R-North Reading).

“I think this jobs bill really focuses on getting people back to work.  We’ve open the door for our colleagues to work with us on the other side of the aisle,” said Rep. Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick).

Their five-point plan outlines ways to cut costs and improve education, health care, energy, taxes and business regulations.

“You talk to any business out there, any concern, they’re saying there’s too much red tape, too much DEP, too much endangered species law,” said Sen. Michael Knapik (R-Westfield).  “If we’re going to get serious about positioning Massachusetts from an economic competitive stand point, you gotta at least review the regulations. ”

The Republic tax plan proposes to eliminate fees to start up a corporation and give tax credits to business investors, first time homebuyers and companies that create jobs.

“This is a state that is just too expensive.  Our tax burden is too high,” said Rep. Don Humason (R-Westfield).  “We need to look at those intensely with an eye toward doing everything we can to promote jobs in our state.”

Republicans criticized the Massachusetts business climate, flashing some dismal figures: The Chief Executive Group ranks Massachusetts as the 6 ^th worst state to do business and Forbes magazine ranks it as the most expensive state to conduct business. Governor Deval Patrick addressed Republican concerns that there isn’t enough being done on Beacon Hill to create jobs and grow the economy.

“Hardly the case that we’ve been standing still. We’ve moved from 47 ^th in job creation in 2006 to 5 ^th in the nation today,” said Patrick.

Governor Patrick said he looks forward to reviewing the Republican proposals and that he’s willing to work with anyone that wants to advance the Commonwealth forward.