State Representative John P. Fresolo Earns High Marks on Associated Industries of Massachusetts Legislative Scorecard

(BOSTON) – State Representative John P. Fresolo (D-Worcester) is pleased to announce that Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) has released its 2009-2010 Legislative Scorecard which shows the Representative’s commitment to economic growth and job creation.

AIM, a nonprofit association of Massachusetts employers, seeks improvements in the economic climate of Massachusetts on behalf of its member employers and their employees.

According to the 2009-2010 Legislative Scorecard, AIM releases the Scorecard at the conclusion of each legislative session to “ensure that members know legislators’ records on key economic and public-policy issues, and to recognize lawmakers who understand the importance of a vibrant economy for all residents.”

“I am proud that AIM’s Legislative Scorecard recognizes my dedication in the Legislature to job creation and workforce development,” said Rep. Fresolo. “I will continue to support legislation that puts people to work and helps strengthen our economy.”

The Legislative Scorecard indicates that Representative Fresolo voted for a number of bills in the past session which were endorsed by AIM and promise to promote economic prosperity in Massachusetts.

As part of Speaker DeLeo’s reform agenda, Representative Fresolo voted for landmark transportation reform that eliminated the antiquated and inefficient transportation structure in Massachusetts while bringing considerable cost-savings. The transportation reform bill also alleviated any need for an increase in Massachusetts tolls.

Earlier this year, Representative Fresolo voted for an education reform package that established a new category of public schools, provided options to improve existing school districts that are underperforming, and put the Commonwealth in position to secure the $250 million in federal education funding announced in August.

At the close of the legislative session, Representative Fresolo joined his colleagues in the legislature in passing economic development legislation that included a sales tax holiday and promotes a business-friendly environment that will help small businesses open, expand and create jobs.

The new law will overhaul the state’s network of business development agencies, establishing a streamlined, cohesive model with built-in oversight and transparency to reduce redundancy and waste.

Representative Fresolo also voted for the original House version of the economic development bill which included a repeal of the pharmaceutical gift ban in an effort to bring more convention activity to the state while stimulating the restaurant and hospitality industries in Massachusetts. AIM supported the House legislation that included the repeal of the gift ban.

The end of the legislative session also saw Representative Fresolo and the legislature pass small business health care legislation that will reduce small business health insurance costs and promote job retention and job creation. The bill reduces premium fluctuations in the market and requires insurers to offer affordable health plans.

Last winter, Representative Fresolo also voted to halt a scheduled increase in the unemployment insurance assessment that all employers pay.