$305M proposal aims to make Mass. more business-friendly amid global competition

Gov. Maura Healey's 'Mass Wins Act' includes lowering business start-up fees and incentives to hire in-state students

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of premium, polished geometric objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background. The objects symbolize the abstract concepts of corporate strategy, finance, and economic competitiveness, conveying a sense of gravitas and importance through dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows.A conceptual still life representing Massachusetts' efforts to enhance its business competitiveness and appeal to global companies and talent.Boston Today

Gov. Maura Healey announced a $305 million economic development bill called the 'Mass Wins Act' that aims to make Massachusetts more competitive globally by lowering costs for businesses, supporting the workforce, and boosting economic competitiveness. The bill proposes measures like reducing the fee to start a new business by 80% and creating a $10 million annual internship tax credit to incentivize hiring of in-state college students.

Why it matters

Massachusetts faces increasing global competition for business investment and talent, with capital and companies having more options than ever before. This bill is an attempt by the state to make it easier and more attractive for businesses to start, grow, and hire in Massachusetts amid this competitive landscape.

The details

The 'Mass Wins Act' includes over 150 policy sections organized around five key areas: addressing the global economy, lowering costs, supporting the workforce, boosting economic competitiveness, and equity reforms. Specific provisions include a $50 million 'GlobalMass Innovation Access Fund' to attract global capital, $20 million for site development to attract international companies, an 80% reduction in the business start-up fee from $500 to $100, and a $10 million annual internship tax credit to incentivize hiring of in-state college students.

  • The bill was announced by Gov. Maura Healey on April 16, 2026.
  • Lawmakers have less than 4 months before new joint rules take effect on July 31, 2026 that would limit their ability to address the bill.

The players

Gov. Maura Healey

The governor of Massachusetts who announced and proposed the 'Mass Wins Act' economic development bill.

Eric Paley

The Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development who spoke about the bill at a press conference.

Ron Mariano

The Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, who Healey said she had discussed the bill with.

Kim Driscoll

The Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts who provided details on certain provisions of the bill.

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What they’re saying

“We are operating in a much more competitive global environment than even a few years ago. Capital is more mobile. Companies have more choices. And other states and countries are being aggressive about attracting investment and talent.”

— Eric Paley, Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development

“We have the talent, we have the ideas, we have the capabilities to do extraordinary things here in Massachusetts, but we need to move faster. We need to lower costs. We need to make it easier to build and grow here.”

— Eric Paley, Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development

“I guess I'd look at this bill as primarily a policy bill, making important policy changes that will make it better for business here in the state.”

— Gov. Maura Healey

What’s next

The bill now needs to be passed by the Massachusetts legislature before the July 31, 2026 deadline, after which new joint rules would limit their ability to address the bill.

The takeaway

This bill represents Massachusetts' attempt to make the state more attractive for businesses and talent in the face of increasing global competition. By lowering costs, supporting the workforce, and boosting economic competitiveness, the state hopes to solidify its position as a hub for innovation and growth.