This is a great example of how liberals believe that government can and should create jobs. Instead of getting out of the way for the private sector to flourish, Governor Patrick believes that the government can create growth.
This is not to say that our bridges do not need repair. Maintaining safe roads is a primary function of government. However, it is not a primary way to stimulate the economy.
Here is a State House News article about this proposal.
"Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei said Patrick's economic policies have been 'a disaster for the state.' In an emailed statement, Tisei said, "It's ironic that Governor Patrick would give a major speech on economic development today, less than 24 hours before the House is scheduled to pass his half-a-billion dollar plan to increase taxes on Massachusetts businesses. You don't need an MIT professor to tell you raising taxes during a recession is like throwing grease on a fire. It's a poor economic development strategy and will do nothing to improve the state's economy or competitiveness."
"The state Republican Party knocked Patrick's plan. Spokesman Barney Keller said in a statement, 'The Big Dig also put people to work - it put the taxpayers to work to the tune of billions of dollars. Someone should hide the Governor's credit card before his massive new spending proposals get out of control.' "
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