October 26, 2005
Senator John A. Hart, Jr.
Chairman
Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Room 24
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Senator Hart:
I regret I am unable to offer testimony in person at today’s hearing for S. 257, the bill to
establish a Jobs Creation Commission. Since I’ve written in support of similar bills in
this decade-long process in the past, let me distill my thoughts on this occasion.
A job affords an individual dignity, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment. A job
orders a person’s day, creating structure and instilling discipline. A neighborhood where
most people are working is more stable, with less crime and delinquency as youth see the
value of work to those around them. And workers who can live beyond the stressful and
debilitating state of mere subsistence can create homes that sustain healthy families who
see a future and opportunity. Workers are taxpayers who contribute to the services we all
enjoy.
Any efforts to strengthen and expand on an environment in which human dignity and
productivity prevail are to be applauded, for this means nothing less than the health of the
Commonwealth and its citizens. We need jobs, and quality jobs, in Massachusetts, or we
will all pay the consequences. I urge the support of all businesses, all legislators, all
citizens for this bill.
Sincerely.
Thank you.
William Julius Wilson
Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor