A view of Boston representing a thriving business environment.
Governor Maura Healey has unveiled the ‘Massachusetts Means Business’ initiative aimed at reducing business regulations to enhance economic competitiveness. Key sectors like cosmetology and grocery stores will benefit from regulatory reforms, including easing operational requirements and promoting digital submissions. Despite some political opposition, Healey emphasizes the initiative’s intent to foster constructive dialogue with the business community and streamline operations. The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce supports the initiative, highlighting its importance in reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers for local businesses.
Boston, Massachusetts – Governor Maura Healey has launched a new initiative titled ‘Massachusetts Means Business’ aimed at enhancing the state’s economic competitiveness by significantly reducing business regulations. The initiative is designed to alleviate what is often referred to as ‘red tape’ for local companies and facilitate a more favorable environment for business operations.
According to a 2025 survey conducted by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations (OCABR), a significant 33% of business respondents identified rising operational costs as their primary regulatory challenge. This highlights the pressing need for reforms within the state’s regulatory framework. Healey’s plan includes a commitment to cut a quarter of all regulations governed by OCABR and its associated agencies.
Key sectors benefiting from these regulatory changes include cosmetology, barbershops, financial services, and grocery stores. By implementing these adjustments, Healey asserts that the initiative will help keep businesses in Massachusetts, leading to potential savings in both time and money for operators while also benefitting consumers.
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has expressed support for the initiative, underlining its importance in addressing unnecessary regulatory hurdles that impede business operations significantly. As part of the reform process, Healey has instructed all agencies to reassess their regulations to identify those that can be discarded or modified. This review process aims to eliminate 38 sets of regulations, which effectively amounts to a 25% reduction of the total regulations currently in place.
Notable changes under the ‘Massachusetts Means Business’ initiative include the removal of the requirement for barbershops to display a traditional barber’s pole outside of their establishments. Additionally, the Division of Occupational Licensure will work in tandem with the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering to propose enhancements that will make educational pathways more accessible and support smaller businesses.
Prior regulations for cosmetology schools mandated the presence of a minimum of 25 chairs and sinks, a stipulation now viewed as excessive for smaller operations. In a move to modernize banking and insurance practices, the new rules also eliminate the necessity for these institutions to file documents on paper, advocating for digital submissions instead.
Further specifics of the initiative include updated regulations for ski areas in Massachusetts that will simplify cautionary signage requirements, bringing them in line with national standards, thereby facilitating easier acquisition and recognition for skiers. Grocery stores stand to gain from revisions to unit price disclosure regulations, which will enable more flexible labeling options and the incorporation of modern technologies. The former pricing rules for grocery items were criticized as cumbersome, particularly for smaller retailers aiming for operational efficiency.
Critiques of the Massachusetts regulatory framework point out that it has not undergone substantial review or updates in over 16 years. In contrast to previous government efficiency initiatives, which faced scrutiny, Healey’s reforms are framed as more thoughtful and constructive, emphasizing engagement with the business community rather than indiscriminate cuts.
However, some political opposition exists. Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve has criticized Healey’s administration, claiming that her policies have been detrimental to the business climate and hindered job growth within the state. Despite the criticism, Healey has reiterated that the objective of these regulatory changes is rooted in fostering constructive dialogue with businesses to streamline operations and enhance the overall economic landscape in Massachusetts.
As ‘Massachusetts Means Business’ moves forward, state officials and business owners alike will be closely monitoring its impact on the economic vitality of the region.
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