Look to Mass. as a model for growth agenda

First, we need to stop spending so much.

In 2001 to ’02, the bursting of the technology bubble hit the Massachusetts economy hard. Our unemployment rate was growing faster than any other state in the country, and we faced a fiscal crisis that many experts said was the worst since World War II. The projected deficit for 2003 was nearly $3 billion.

But instead of raising taxes, Democrats and Republicans worked across the aisle: We tightened our belts and balanced the books by cutting spending. It wasn’t easy, but after some tough negotiations and re-setting of priorities, we turned our deficit into a surplus and the economy and jobs started coming back.

In Congress, we need to stop dithering and start looking at every opportunity for savings - both big and small. We can save at least $5 billion by stopping the ethanol subsidy, $15 billion by selling unused federal properties, and $150 billion by addressing the duplicative programs and improper payments recently brought to light by the Government Accountability Office. These are just a few examples of the waste that steals money from worthy projects. These are the types of bills we need to send to the president.

Second, Washington needs a solid long-term plan to get the $14.5 trillion federal debt under control.

In 2005, when S&P upgraded Massachusetts’ credit rating, it cited two key factors: reduced spending and greater budget certainty. Washington needs to do the same thing.

Many businesses in Massachusetts say they are paralyzed by uncertainty about Washington’s next move and overregulation. They can’t plan, and they are too nervous to hire new workers.