Calls for Continued Investments in Our Workforce, Infrastructure and Schools to Boost Economic Growth

BOSTON — Speaking at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Forum today, State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg highlighted her agenda to prudently manage the state’s finances and partner with private employers across the Commonwealth to address a range of economic issues, including financial literacy, wage equality, and the widening skills gap.

“The fact remains that even as we experience widespread prosperity in Massachusetts, too many communities and families are still struggling,” Goldberg said. “As your treasurer, I intend to forge new partnerships, break down the divides across sectors and agencies, and build a Commonwealth that enables its economy and its people to realize their full potential.”

View the attached PDF document to read the Treasurer’s full remarks as prepared for delivery.

Goldberg said she will carry out her agenda by protecting the state’s bond rating, maximizing Lottery profits, achieving strong performance returns at the state pension fund, and providing a transparent and efficient process for Massachusetts bond investors. In addition to underscoring the importance of existing efforts to engage with business leaders through her Task Force on Financial Literacy and Advisory Committee on Wage Equality, the Treasurer also shared a range of initiatives and upcoming announcements, including the following:

• A pilot program this fall that will create college savings accounts for kindergarteners;

• A structured flextime program at the Treasurer’s Office, providing the option for alternative work schedules to help all employees better adjust their work-life balance;

• New practices for working with Treasury vendors to enhance their pay-equity policies; and,

• Utilizing a labor market analysis, commissioned by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and performed by the Northeastern University Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, to address the skills gap by better aligning technology, equipment and capital projects in schools with the jobs and subsequent skills students will need to fill those positions.

A businesswoman, local official and community leader, Goldberg took office as Massachusetts State Treasurer in January 2015 pledging to protect taxpayer dollars with disciplined fiscal management, bring new levels of transparency to state government, and advance policies that break down barriers and create economic empowerment.

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