When it comes to the health of its manufacturing and logistics industries, Massachusetts isn’t making the grade.
According to the 2015 Manufacturing and Logistics National Report, the commonwealth scored a C- overall.
Neighbor to the north New Hampshire earned a “B,” while Vermont earned a “C.” Meanwhile, Connecticut notched a “B,” and Rhode Island secured a “D+.”
States that lead the nation with a “A” included Indiana, Michigan, South Carolina, among others.
“The U.S. manufacturing base is not in decline, and we have recovered from the recession,” said Michael J. Hicks, an economics professor at Ball State University. “Nor are jobs being outsourced because American manufacturing can’t compete internationally. Moreover new jobs in manufacturing pay well above the average wage.”
The news comes as the state now has one of the strictest paid sick leave mandates nationwide, a policy setback that could further weaken the state’s manufacturing industry, says NFIB/Massachusetts State Director Bill Vernon.
“The law will cost the state of Massachusetts jobs,” Vernon told a local NBC affiliate. “We have a study that shows that, over the next five years, it will cost a little less than 12,000 jobs.” Vernon also pointed out that there will be a negative effect for businesses and their workers who are temporary, part-time or seasonal employees. “I understand that people will receive sick leave that haven’t received sick leave in the past, but other people’s benefits will be adjusted.”
