Over the summer, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts was on hand as Governor Maura Healey announced a new, multi-faceted approach to support the state’s innovation economy and the work being done at institutions of higher education across the Commonwealth.
The Discovery, Research, Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative proposes significant state investment as a way to leverage private and institutional resources to retain world-class talent, preserve jobs and protect the engines of Massachusetts’ innovation economy.
Massachusetts is home to one in every 10 jobs in research and development in the United States. Two out of every five of the jobs created by this funding are in sectors outside of research and development, including: construction, food services, health care, retail, and administrative support.
According to the UMass Donahue Institute, the $8.57 billion in annual federal research and development funding that Massachusetts receives supports 81,300 jobs, $7.8 billion of income, and generates more than $16 billion in economic activity. The funding also represents a good return on investment. For every dollar invested, the state sees an economic benefit of double that amount.
The AFT Massachusetts represents over 4,300 members working at public and private institutions of higher education.
"Our state colleges and universities have a transformational impact, from providing opportunities for economic mobility through a world-class education to serving as regional economic engines providing good jobs to over 50,000 people across the state to leading crucial research and development responsible for improving lives on a global scale,” said President Tang. “The actions from the White House have put all of that in jeopardy. Jobs are being lost. A college degree is moving even more out of reach for thousands of students. The research and free-flowing exchange of ideas and knowledge being stifled will have irreparable consequences for generations to come. We applaud Governor Healey for taking some proactive steps to support our public and private institutions of higher education and minimize some of the damage we can expect here in Massachusetts.”
On top of filing legislation, the Governor signed an Executive Order establishing an Advisory Commission on Advancing Research and Discovery in Massachusetts. This Commission will convene leaders from medical, higher education, and economic development sectors and will be charged with evaluating opportunities to bolster the sector, including proposing funding structures to finance research projects and developing public-private partnerships across industries to improve its resilience.
On September 16, the Healey Administration announced the members appointed to this Commission, including President Tang.
Included in the bill is a $200 million one-time multi-year research funding pool to support research projects at hospitals, universities, and independent research institutions, as well as a one-year fellowship program for early career professionals.
The bill also dedicates $200 million in Fair Share amendment revenue to establish a public higher education bridge funding reserve. This funding will support direct and indirect costs of research, cross-regional partnerships and joint ventures. Additionally, the reserve sets aside funding to preserve and hire positions in research and teaching, including graduate, post doctorate, and other early career professionals.
“Over 50,000 residents are employed at our state’s public colleges and universities,” continued Tang. “These investments will help address the current and anticipated challenges our members are facing on the job and at home and we are grateful that this bill makes a clear commitment to building an economy that works for everyone, and not just a few.
This legislation will also broaden the eligible use for federal match funds to further protect Massachusetts from federal cuts that seriously threaten public health, safety or welfare, or the fiscal stability of the state. Included in the new eligible uses is authority to transfer funds to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund to support hospitals and community health centers and ensure care for our most vulnerable residents.
The AFT Massachusetts is excited to take on an active role in this new initiative. It is an important, pre-emptive step to ensure Massachusetts remains an innovative hub for research and protects the thousands of jobs that rely on the industry.