Massachusetts Governor Healey Cuts Quarter of State Regulations to Ease Business Burden

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has initiated a significant effort to reduce bureaucratic red tape by cutting or amending approximately a quarter of state regulations, aiming to make the state more business-friendly and competitive. This initiative, part of the Massachusetts Means Business campaign, followed a comprehensive review of 150 sets of regulations, resulting in the elimination or modification of 38, including outdated rules such as the mandatory display of barber poles and certain ski area signage. Business leaders have praised the move as a positive step toward easing operational burdens, although some, like the CEO of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, consider these changes marginal and call for further actions on issues like unemployment insurance costs and state spending. The administration emphasizes that these regulatory rollbacks will save businesses time and money, benefiting customers and supporting economic growth. Additionally, the state plans to modernize regulatory systems to streamline processes further. Overall, the effort reflects Healey's broader strategy to foster a more conducive environment for business growth ahead of her reelection campaign.