Locally-Based Jobs

What if we built our economy on locally-based jobs that can’t be downsized or shipped overseas, instead of sacrificing our environment and labor standards while trying to attract outside corporations?

For years we’ve heard promises that money would flow into Massachusetts if we sacrifice our environment, our labor standards and our democratic rights in order to please outside investors.  The results of this approach to development have been disastrous.  Open space has been devoured,  tax revenues have slumped,  labor rights have been ignored, and community planning rights have been trampled upon.  But it just hasn’t worked.  Few jobs have been created.  Unemployment in Massachusetts is at an intolerable level.  It’s time for a different approach.

Locally-owned businesses tied to local resources tend to circulate wealth within a community.  They don’t threaten to move away if they aren’t allowed to pollute or avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

Businesses that are integrated into the fabric of a community are good neighbors that provide a solid foundation for our economic future.  They provide jobs that won’t be offshored, outsourced or downsized.

For too long, Massachusetts has neglected our community-based businesses in attempting to lure big outside companies into the state.  This has led to the mentality of joining the race to the bottom.  It’s time to give attention to the real, long-term foundation of our prosperity.

Jill Stein knows that strong local economies are the only sound basis for our future prosperity.  She will strengthen buy-local campaigns,  level the playing field for small businesses, and open up marketing opportunities for local enterprise.  She will help establish community banks that reinvest deposits in the community.  She will make sure that Main Street is taken care of before Wall Street.