Plan Includes Tax Relief for Small Businesses and Farmers, Fairer Road Funding, Expanded Tourism Promotion, and a Permanent Voice for Rural Communities
BOSTON, MA – Republican candidate for Governor Brian Shortsleeve today unveiled his “Respect the West” plan, a package of initiatives designed to recognize the unique needs of Western Massachusetts and reverse decades of Beacon Hill policies that have left the region behind.
“For too long, Western Massachusetts has been treated like an afterthought by politicians on Beacon Hill,” said Brian Shortsleeve. “The challenges facing Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire Counties aren’t the same as those in Boston, and the solutions shouldn’t be either. As governor, I’ll make sure Western Massachusetts has a seat at the table and a government that finally understands and respects its communities.”
The Respect the West plan entails:
Expand Tourism Marketing for Western Massachusetts
Launch a dedicated statewide tourism campaign promoting the Berkshires, Pioneer Valley, and Hilltowns to attract more visitors, support local restaurants, hotels, shops, and cultural attractions, and strengthen the region’s economy.
Expand Tax Credits for Farms, Wineries, Breweries, and Cideries
Increase tax credits for small farms, wineries, breweries, and cideries that preserve Massachusetts agriculture, create local jobs, and strengthen the rural economy.
Create a Rural Mileage Adjustment to Chapter 90 Funding
Modernize the Chapter 90 formula to recognize that rural communities maintain significantly more miles of roads with far fewer taxpayers. A rural mileage adjustment will ensure Western Massachusetts communities receive a fairer share of state transportation funding.
Establish a Rural Communities Advisory Forum
Create a permanent Rural Communities Advisory Forum that meets regularly with the governor and lieutenant governor to identify challenges, develop solutions, and ensure the voices of Western Massachusetts are heard before problems become crises.
Restore and Expand the Governor’s Western Massachusetts Office
After the scandals and dysfunction that have plagued the Governor’s Western Massachusetts Office, it’s clear the region deserves better. Brian Shortsleeve will restore integrity to the office, expand its responsibilities, and ensure it is staffed by professionals whose job is to solve problems for Western Massachusetts, not political insiders collecting a paycheck. The governoe and lieutenant governor will maintain a regular presence in the office to ensure the region has a real seat at the table.
“Respecting Western Massachusetts means more than showing up every four years asking for votes,” Shortsleeve said. “It means lowering taxes, investing in rural infrastructure, supporting family farms and small businesses, and making sure the people who live here have a direct voice in state government. As governor, that’s exactly what I’ll do.”