Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) last week released Common Wealth 2012, its statement of the principles and beliefs that will guide Bay State employers on public policy issues during the New Year.

AIM engages in policy work on behalf of some employers who provide jobs to 650,000 Massachusetts residents.  We do so guided by the belief that only a vibrant, private-sector economy creates opportunity that binds the social, governmental, and economic foundations of our commonwealth.

Given that objective, what are AIM’s specific public policy priorities on behalf of Massachusetts employers for 2012?

1. Reduce the cost of health insurance by supporting adoption of alternative methods to pay medical providers and by encouraging employer and consumer engagement.
2. Address high electricity costs in Massachusetts and any burdensome state regulations that drive those costs.
3. Secure a one-year or multi-year freeze in Unemployment Insurance rates and implement long-term structural changes in the UI system
4. Oppose anti-growth proposals such as paid family leave and mandated sick leave.
5. Support efforts to ensure that Massachusetts maintains globally competitive schools and workforce development programs.
6. Repeal the restrictive Massachusetts definition of Independent Contractor and adopt the federal definition.
7. Amend the mandatory treble damages law to apply only to willful violations of the Massachusetts Wage & Hour statute.
8. Retain existing legal protections for intellectual property, especially the use of non-compete agreements.
9. Continue predictable, responsible and long-term state fiscal policy.

AIM looks forward to working with the Patrick Administration and the Legislature during 2012 to create an environment to encourage the ingenuity and entrepreneurial energy that has historically driven the Massachusetts economy. AIM stands for jobs, economic opportunity, fiscal predictability, business formation, innovation, education, and a government that acknowledges that the private sector has the unique ability and responsibility to create the Common Wealth for the people of Massachusetts.