"A billion here, a billion there...

Pretty soon it adds up to real money."

~ Everett Dirksen, US Senator (R), Illinois

You have a lot of tough choices to make. 

Each year, as a state, we make decisions on how to allocate billions of dollars to build and maintain the safe, healthy, and productive commonwealth that we all deserve. 

Some of these decisions surround the types of revenue policies we use to build our fiscal foundation, and some are about what types of budget priorities would together build the best possible state. But deciding that a program is "good" is not enough. 

Sometimes, funding a "good" program can come with the opportunity cost of not affording another "great" program. 

OPPORTUNITY COSTS

The true cost of something is what you give up to get it. This includes not only the money spent in buying (or doing) the something, but also the economic benefits that you did without because you bought (or did) that particular something and thus can no longer buy (or do) something else.

For example... going for a walk may appear to cost nothing, until you consider the opportunity forgone to use that time earning money. [The Economist]

...needed data about the project's opportunity costs. "That (money) could be hiring more teachers, (providing) small business technical assistance - which I've found effective in my district - tax incentives for green tech or biotech," she said. "There's so many places we could place these bets." [Full Article: Boston Herald, June 22nd]

TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY

Successful investors never dedicate their resources to any opportunity without thoroughly examining its value - and the value of its alternatives. By making sure that our state operates transparently - and that those implementing our priorities are held accountable for their actions - we can be more confident that we are investing in the right priorities, and that those investments are being managed responsibly.

Members of the ONE Massachusetts network are contributing to this effort by looking closely into how budget decisions have impacted their communities.    

[More info on Government Reform]

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Are you interesting in participating in these efforts? We are currently planning a summer campaign, and you can help!

It is vital that we, as constituents, communicate regularly with all of our elected officials - demonstrating that we are not only aware of how these issues affect our communities, but that we are willing to do something about it! 

Next week, we will be releasing a toolkit that will give you the information and framework you need to examine how budget decisions have impacted your community over the years. We'll also provide customizable exercises that will help you talk with your friends, neighbors, and elected officials about your community priorities. 

 ONE More Thing...