Governor Mitt Romney and the letter "T"
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- The Clinton Administration tried to dismantle the military.
- The Clinton Administration tried to dismantle our intelligence community.
- The federal government should not determine what schools teach or how they are ran.
- The Federal government must stop its borrowing and spending binge.
- The government should provide regulatory relief.
- The US should implement national tort reform.
- The US should implement national tort reform.
- There is a proper role for the federal government to play in Education.
- "And a special thank you to the citizens of Massachusetts: You are paying all the Taxes, creating all the jobs, raising all the children. This government is yours. Thank you for letting me serve you. I love this job."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 01-15-04 State of the State
- “The easy way to fix any problem is to go to the people and say you have to pay more money, but that's not what the job of management is. The job of management is to find ways to permanently and structurally change the costs of our structure such that we can have a balanced budget without always raising Taxes every time people think there's a need."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Boston Herald, March 22, 2002
- "America’s Tax code is a labyrinth that imposes an enormous and unnecessary burden on our citizens and employers. Keeping Taxes low and simplifying the code will grow the economy and enhance our competitiveness."
- Governor Mitt Romney's Commonwealth PAC
- “You don’t create economic prosperity by raising Taxes.”
- Governor Mitt Romney, National Review (June 2005)
- “We enacted property Tax relief for our senior citizens and instead of levying a retroactive capital gains Tax hike, we acted to refund $250 million to Massachusetts Taxpayers.”
- “I don’t like Taxes. I think we need less government, not more government.”
- Governor Mitt Romney, Interview with Mort Kondracke (March 2006)
- "Let me come back to something more parochial, which is how our state fits into all of that and how you who are entrepreneurs and investors, financiers, faculty members and others who are associated with the process of innovation fit into, if you will, "our state." I am convinced that this is an extraordinarily attractive place to grow and develop ideas and technology. That this state has many of the features which are unique in our nation and perhaps in our world - the clusters of technology and capability that have assembled here -- means that enterprises that begin here begin with a natural advantage. We have also thought to keep the attractiveness of the, if you will, 'the Petri dish" here for technology innovation very robust and vital. There are some who would suggest we could solve our problems best by, for instance, raising our Tax rates and business payroll Taxes and so forth. I am afraid of going down the path California is going down. I am afraid that going to an 11% income Tax will scare away innovation and scare away jobs. California is a beautiful place. We don't have their weather to compete with, so we have to compete on other bases. For us it's a place where that Tax burden is not overwhelming with a 5.3% Tax rate - they're going up to an 11% Tax rate, with over 9% today. We have to make sure this is a place as attractive for people to come and grow their enterprise - our regulatory structure."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Deshpande Center IdeaStream Symposium, May 13, 2003
- "If you want someone who voted for Tax hikes 98 times, send in John Kerry. If you think trial lawyers need more money, our economy needs more law suits, and malpractice costs should go even higher, then send in John Edwards with him."
- Governor Mitt Romney, September 1, 2004; 10:09 PM
- “Let’s put the numbers to a test. Pass my Reforms and I’ll deliver the savings. Even if one thought the savings would be smaller, that’s no reason to abandon the Reforms. If a Reform saves money, let’s take it. This is not a choice between deep cuts or higher Taxes. There is another way. My plan calls for Reform. It’s hard to say goodbye to the old way of doing things, but people are demanding change.”
- “As the reality of last year’s Tax increase sinks in, it is imperative to remember how important it is to hold the line on raising Taxes again this year.”
- “Given our fiscal crisis, we have a unique opportunity this year to make permanent changes to state government that make sense, save money and make us more efficient. Let’s not squander that opportunity, but instead work together to achieve Reform once and for all.”
- “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They provide jobs for our half of our workforce and stimulate our economy. Raising Taxes will force them to cut jobs and will drive them out of Massachusetts to a more business-friendly state.”
- “Higher Taxes are simply not an option for my administration, for working families or for the hundreds of small businesses who are struggling. It is time for Reform.”
- “Analogic’s continuing expansion is extraordinary in light of our challenging economic climate. If we’re going to attract and retain more companies, we need to get serious about Reforming state government and taking steps to foster a pro-growth environment. Those steps include holding the line on Taxes.”
- “I find it unbelievable to hear people in the State House talking about Tax increases as an option to closing the budget gap. Raising Taxes at a time of rising unemployment will hurt working families, drive companies out of Massachusetts and push our economy into an even deeper rut.”
- “Higher Taxes are simply not an option for my administration, for working families or for the hundreds of businesses who are struggling. It is time for Reform.”
- “Massachusetts has tremendous potential – a highly skilled and educated workforce, top-notch institutes of higher learning and excellent health care facilities. But, we need to work harder to convince employers that Massachusetts is a good place to do business – and that starts with a stable Tax structure.”
- “The Investment Tax Credit is one of the vital tools we have to attract employers and stimulate job growth in Massachusetts. I applaud the House and Senate leaders for their efforts to maintain the Bay State’s pro-business environment.”
- “We have successfully closed the largest deficit in our state’s history without raising Taxes. Not many states can make that claim, but here in Massachusetts we can be proud of what we have accomplished on behalf of our citizens. I am grateful to the Legislature for their efforts.”
- “With this budget, we’ve launched the state on the road to Reform. We didn’t get everything we wanted, but we got a lot. And as Arnold Schwarzenegger might say, ‘I’ll be back.’”
- “Change doesn’t happen overnight or in six months. Reform is a four year job and we’ll be fighting for it every step of the way.”
- “This year’s budget represents just the first step,” Romney said. “We still have financial challenges ahead of us, but with ingenuity and hard work, we can solve them.”
- “We will continue to push for our plans to merge the Turnpike Authority, adopt court Reform and institute workforce changes that will give us the tools to manage effectively. Our energy is limitless.”
- “I support the changes to the Quinn Bill. The exceptions I have proposed are fair to our police officers who have either served their country or are more than halfway through their course of study.”
- “They say there are only two sure things in life – death and Taxes. We can’t do anything about the first, but we can make life a little easier when it comes to Taxes. I encourage people all across our Commonwealth to head out to stores and malls this weekend to enjoy the benefits of Tax free shopping.”
- “Our seniors should be able to live their remaining years in the comforting surroundings of their homes and communities. We can help them by providing property Tax relief and other Tax breaks.”
- “It is fundamentally unfair to Tax people retroactively. If we are to keep faith with the Taxpayers of Massachusetts, we need to correct the constitutional error that occurred here.”
- “We’re sending Taxes in Massachusetts on a little summer vacation. Everyone should head out to their favorite stores to take advantage of the Tax-free holiday.”
- "Taxes in Massachusetts have the weekend off. This upcoming sales Tax holiday, consumers can enjoy savings at a range of shops from major retailers to their favorite mom-and-pop stores."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 08-11-2005 Press Release
- During a visit at the shopping plaza in Landmark Center
- “No matter how you look at it, this is extremely positive news for the people of Massachusetts. Revenues were up across the board in every single category. There are more people working, our business sector is healthy and creating jobs and consumers are spending money.”
- “Now, it’s time to take the next step. There is no longer any reason not to give the people what they voted for – a 5 percent income Tax rate.”
- “It is simply wrong to change the rules after the fact on Taxpayers who sold assets in reliance on the Tax code in effect at the time.”
- “We have tried to come up with a solution that addresses the concerns of legislators worried about the impact of the refunds on the state treasury. By spreading out the payment of refunds over three years, rather than all at once, we can soften the revenue impact. Ultimately, it’s going to cost the state some money. But if we don’t act, thousands of Taxpayers who played by the rules will be punished for a mistake they did not make.”
- “With the rise in property values, it makes it difficult for seniors to stay in their homes. seniors should be able to stay as long as they want in the homes where they’ve raised families and created a lifetime of fond memories.”
- “By making this important correction we will keep faith with the Taxpayers and prevent thousands of families from enduring any financial hardship from an unfair retroactive Tax. I commend the Legislature for approving a solution that fixes this problem once and for all.”
- “Any year the government puts money back in Taxpayers’ pockets is a great year. Of course, next year will be even better if we can convince the Legislature to start rolling the Tax rate back to 5 percent.”
- “High energy prices have put a strain on older homeowners and young families alike. This deduction was designed to help people make it through the home heating season, and I’d like to see 100 percent of those who are eligible receive this Tax break.”
- “It may be Tax Freedom Day, but there’s no reason for celebration in Massachusetts. Next year, I’d like to see Tax Freedom Day in Massachusetts arrive a little bit earlier and the way to make that happen is by reducing the income Tax rate to 5 percent.”
- “That money does not belong to the government,” Romney said. “That’s the Taxpayers’ money and we can clearly afford to let them keep it.”
- “One of the highest duties of government is our obligation to take care of the men and women who defend this nation. This legislation follows through on that commitment by providing additional benefits to disabled veterans, as well as to the families of soldiers killed or missing in action.”
Governor Mitt Romney Technology Quotes
- "Our national investment in technology comes from both the private and public sector; however corporations today spend more on tort liability than they do on R&D. While the government already invests heavily in defense, space and health technologies, it is time to invest substantially in technologies related to power generation, nanotechnology, and materials science."
- Governor Mitt Romney's Commonwealth PAC
- “Obviously, you faced a choice. You could have remained in Ohio, or moved to any of the other 49 states. Instead, you came to Massachusetts. We have the people, the capital and the technology market. But of course, you know all that. That’s why you came here.”
- Governor Mitt Romney, 07-18-2003 Press Release
- Speeking to company officials at a welcoming ceremony
- "These bills represent an important piece of housekeeping for the state’s business community, one that will allow our state to keep pace with new technology and other changes taking place in the world.”
- Governor Mitt Romney. Source 12-04-2003 Press Release
- Romney said Straumann is the kind of innovative technology company that his economic development team is committed to attracting to Massachusetts. “The opening of Straumann’s new $50 million North American headquarters in Andover will bring 160 new manufacturing jobs to the Bay State right away and more than 300 over the next five years.”
- "Let me come back to something more parochial, which is how our state fits into all of that and how you who are entrepreneurs and investors, financiers, faculty members and others who are associated with the process of innovation fit into, if you will, "our state." I am convinced that this is an extraordinarily attractive place to grow and develop ideas and technology. That this state has many of the features which are unique in our nation and perhaps in our world - the clusters of technology and capability that have assembled here -- means that enterprises that begin here begin with a natural advantage. We have also thought to keep the attractiveness of the, if you will, 'the Petri dish" here for technology innovation very robust and vital. There are some who would suggest we could solve our problems best by, for instance, raising our Tax rates and business payroll Taxes and so forth. I am afraid of going down the path California is going down. I am afraid that going to an 11% income Tax will scare away innovation and scare away jobs. California is a beautiful place. We don't have their weather to compete with, so we have to compete on other bases. For us it's a place where that Tax burden is not overwhelming with a 5.3% Tax rate - they're going up to an 11% Tax rate, with over 9% today. We have to make sure this is a place as attractive for people to come and grow their enterprise - our regulatory structure."
- Governor Mitt Romney, [Deshpande Center IdeaStream Symposium], May 13, 2003
- "I'm not happy exporting jobs but we must move ahead in technology and patents. I don't like losing any jobs but we'll see new opportunities created selling products there. We'll have a net net increase in economic activity, just as we did with free trade. It's tempting to want to protect our markets and stay closed. But at some point it all comes crashing down and you're hopelessly left behind. Then you are Russia."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Forrester Research Summit
- "China and India have huge populations. There's no reason why they can't emerge as an economic and military superpower in 100 years. We need to be at the leading edge of technology.
- Governor Mitt Romney, Forrester Research executive strategy summit in Boston
- "There's a common misperception that we do all the innovation and send off the grunt work to people offshore, that somehow American technology does all the high-end work and we send out routine drafting elsewhere. We have the perception we're the best and the brightest but we didn't score as well as others in some studies."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Forrester Research executive strategy summit in Boston
- "So being here this evening with Dr. Vest, Mr. d'Arbeloff, the Deshpandes and other scientists and leaders in the field of innovation and technology is something which I find to be beyond my capability. I want to underscore how important what you are doing is, not just for yourselves, but to our state, to our nation, and I believe to our total global economy and global population".
- “Stun guns have proven time and time again when used by law enforcement officers in other states that they are an effective tool in stopping suspects. It is high time for our men and women in blue to utilize this modern crime fighting technology.”
- “Stun guns have proven time and time again when used by law enforcement officers in other states that they are an effective tool in stopping suspects. It is high time for our men and women in blue to utilize this modern crime fighting technology.”
- “Massachusetts medical institutions are second to none in delivering world-class care to our citizens,” said Romney, who spoke at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Ether Dome, the site of the first successful use of ether anesthesia more than 150 years ago. He added, “By applying new and innovative technology to patient care, and helping caregivers to adopt it, we will make health care more affordable and offer even higher levels of quality care to our citizens.”
- "Yet most police, public health entities, parole officers and courts are operating with 20- year old technology. Even though high-speed digital technology is currently available, many police officers still wait long periods to receive basic information about a vehicle or person they stop. Days or weeks may pass before criminal warrants find their way into state databases, leaving dangerous criminals on the street and police without this information. Judges might sentence offenders with outdated information regarding their criminal history records. Investigators in one jurisdiction may be unaware that information regarding an individual under investigation exists in a neighboring jurisdiction."
- “Over the last decade, the urban crime rate has gone down and urban investment has gone up. This has happened for one simple reason: We now realize that our cities are engines of economic growth. Visualization Technology is a great example of the kind of investment that is bringing the Massachusetts economy back on track.”
Terrorism
Major Terrorism Speeches
Quotes from Governor Mitt Romney on Terrorism
2003
- "I support our troops overseas and recognize that families across Massachusetts are making sacrifices by having their loved ones away defending our nation. We don’t want them to also worry about paying their bills. This will help ease that burden for state employees."
- “Through their service, National Guard and Reservists play an important role in our efforts to advance democracy, peace and freedom across our nation and around the world. This week, we ask employers to recognize their sacrifice and commitment.”
2004
- “A key part of our homeland security efforts rests on the state’s ability to collect and analyze information on potential threats,” said Romney. “By putting more money into intelligence gathering, we’ll give the State Police the tools they need to be more effective.”
- "The threat of modern terrorism poses new challenges for law enforcement across Massachusetts and around the nation," said Romney. "These new homeland security funds will allow Bay State communities to work as a coordinated force to collect, analyze and distribute critical terrorism related intelligence and act when necessary."
- “We want to reinforce the message that an informed, vigilant public is the best defense against terrorism. The bottom line is, if you see something, say something. By working as partners, we can win the war on terror and help create a safer, more secure Commonwealth.”
- “In Massachusetts, a license to drive shouldn’t become a license to steal or commit mayhem.”
- “When it comes to homeland security, our new driver’s license is only as good as the issuance process beneath it. That’s why we are actively developing ideas and technology to thwart the potential of terrorist activity.”
2005
- “It is physically impossible to protect all targets that a terrorist might attack,” said Romney. “The biggest lesson we learned from the September 11th tragedies is that intelligence sharing between our local, state, and federal law enforcement officials is absolutely necessary to the security of our nation and the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
- “Soldiers willingly sacrifice to protect and defend our freedoms. We can do our part by honoring their hard work, commitment and sacrifice by passing the Massachusetts GI Bill.”
- "From the day that the colonists in Massachusetts took up their arms to secure their liberty to the present day, Americans have had to fight to protect the freedom that makes our country great," said Romney. "The men and women who have volunteered and who are now serving our country in the global war on terror deserve our support."
- “Our men and women in uniform carry on a brave and noble tradition of service to their state and country. They sacrifice much through their service, and I’m pleased that through this package of benefits our state has properly recognized all that military families do to keep us safe.”
- "The president is right to point to an international jihadist movement aimed at the collapse of the United States. He has gone after that threat in the right way and with great energy and vigor, and I applaud the fact that he has taken it on very seriously and has not considered it just a criminal action but instead a war action, which requires a military . . . response."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Interview with James Taranto (December 2005)
- "When it comes to protecting our citizens, there is no place for political correctness. We should be doing more in terms of intelligence and counterterrorism in the state to protect ourselves from terrorists. We spend a lot of our resources thinking about response, but response can't protect us. We have to be able to prevent attacks."
- ``Well, I think it shows a complete lack of understanding of the kind of enemy that we're facing. This is not a small group of whackos in the hills that all we have to do is go find one person and it suddenly goes away. This is, instead, a movement. It's a jihadist movement. It's an extreme wing of Islam. It includes people, hundreds of thousands, potentially millions of people throughout the world that are intent on bringing down America, bringing down civilization as we know it. It's going to be a long-time fight against these people. And that's why the president has called it a war. Iraq is one front in that war. And there will be other fronts in this war, I'm sure. But the idea that somehow if we just go home and sit back quietly that it'll all go away is just pollyannish and not realistic. After all, what did we do to deserve 9/11? They attacked us also on the USS Cole, they attacked our embassies and we sat back and negotiated."
- Governor Mitt Romney, August 11, 2006 on MSNBC
Transportation
- “Today, we are revolutionizing bus service at the MBTA. We are taking an aging, polluting fleet and replacing it with ultra-new, world-class, clean energy buses,” said Romney, speaking at Dudley Square Station in Roxbury.
- "Massachusetts can no longer afford to allow our existing system to crumble under the weight of overuse and official neglect," said Romney. "We need to redirect the state's resources to reflect a priority on repairing what we already have."
- "Our program encourages development where it is needed, where it contributes new jobs, new housing and new amenities to the region and the local communities without eating up or creating the need for new infrastructure valuable open space," said Romney.
- “This bill is as good as you can get without actually merging the Turnpike Authority and the Highway Department. But, it’s the first important step toward that end,” said Romney. “This will markedly change the way we manage our transportation system by providing better coordination of our transportation resources and creating potential savings for Taxpayers.”
- “We are working harder, but more importantly, we are working smarter to achieve a better quality of life in Massachusetts for all of our citizens,” said Romney, who presented the awards for the second consecutive year. “I am delighted to recognize cities and towns that are leading the way in spurring important smart growth projects throughout the state.”
- Governor Mitt Romney
- “In the post Big-Dig world, we need to focus on getting transportation dollars to every corner of the Commonwealth from Pittsfield to Provincetown. This landmark plan identifies regional and multi-modal transportation priorities for all regions of the Commonwealth in a way that accounts for and maximizes the efficiency of every transportation dollar we spend."
Turnpike
- “Billions of Taxpayer dollars were invested into the Central Artery project, yet no direct oversight of this project by state government exists. Political accountability and fiscal responsibility are the twin principles behind these sorely needed Reforms. With this merger, we will once and for all put an end to the blame shifting that occurred during the financial mismanagement of the Big Dig, and achieve sustainable savings by managing our roadways more efficiently."
- “We don’t need two sets of managers, two legal departments, two public relations departments and two sets of books to manage one set of highways,” Romney said. “We don’t need the Turnpike Authority selling off key assets critical to our state. We don’t need fancy celebration parties. We don’t need a Turnpike thinking about building a pie-in-the-sky monorail. And we sure don’t need to pay toll takers more than we pay teachers.” He added, “Our choice is this: Do we waste $20 million of Taxpayer money every year on two highway departments or do we invest in scholarships, schools and teachers? Let’s choose our children.”
- “Secretary Grabauskas has already demonstrated that he knows how to bring Reform and efficiency to state government. He will be a voice of change at the Turnpike Authority and help us begin the process of creating a more efficient transportation system for the people of Massachusetts.”
- “I also want to applaud the service of Christy Mihos. Over the last five years, Christy has been the toll-payer’s best friend and pushed for Reform at the Turnpike every step of the way.”
- “The establishment of this commission would constitute a critical step in minimizing the state’s exposure. It will also begin the process of restoring the trust of the citizens of Massachusetts, our federal government partners and the nation’s Taxpayers.”
- "Dealing with the Turnpike Authority over the past two years has been an incredibly frustrating experience. I believe the Big Dig has been mismanaged to the detriment of the public."
- "I have asked for the Big Dig to be put under my authority and control, and I have called for a change of leadership at the Turnpike Authority. Unfortunately, I have been the lone voice on Beacon Hill calling for this change."
- "It is absolutely startling to me that the Turnpike Authority’s own engineering consultant cannot vouch for the safety of the Central Artery tunnel because he has been denied access to critical records and documents that would allow him to form an opinion."
- "With the Big Dig, there has been a pattern of cover-up and stonewalling that has left the public with little confidence that the project is being managed well or that the road and tunnel system are safe for travel."
- "Jack Lemley says he wasn’t given access to critical information to assess the tunnel’s safety. Judge Ginsburg says he was denied access to information so that he could pursue cost recovery. Christy Mihos as a member of the Board of the Turnpike Authority had to go to court to get information from the own authority of which he served as a board member."
- "This is intolerable. The culture of obstruction and cover-up starts at the very top."
- "Today, I am taking the first step to remove Matt Amorello as Chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority."
- "Today, I will ask the Supreme Judicial Court for an advisory opinion to confirm my power to remove the Chairman. As soon as the court responds in the affirmative, I will install new leadership."
- "I need this validation from the Supreme Judicial Court in order to avoid a protracted legal battle that would only deepen public cynicism and mistrust and delay action."
- "The second action I am taking today is this. I am directing my state Highway Department to oversee an independent evaluation of the tunnel’s safety and to make sure that’s carried out as soon as possible."
- "In order for that to happen, there will need to be full access to all relevant documents, the same documents the Turnpike Authority has been reluctant to give to its own consultant. Therefore, I am asking Attorney General Reilly to seize those documents today so they are available for independent inspection and evaluation."
- "It is imperative that the Attorney General move quickly given the matter is of such significance to our public safety."
- "As Governor, I have a responsibility to all the people when it comes to public safety."
- "My job now is to assure that the tunnels are safe, and to take whatever steps are necessary to put in place responsible management at the Turnpike Authority."
- "Mary brings experience and business skills to the Turnpike Authority. She has faced financial challenges before and her background will be a tremendous asset to the Board. I will look to her to help keep the state’s transportation system on the road to being truly first class."
- “I am pleased that both Tom Trimarco and Beth Lindstrom have accepted my invitation to serve on the Turnpike Authority board. Their objective is the same as mine, and that is to bring a greater degree of efficiency and effectiveness to the operations of the Turnpike, as well as more transparency and disclosure.”
- “Judy is an experienced professional with a strong financial management background and a degree in engineering. I appreciate her willingness to serve as we continue the process of bringing new leadership to the Turnpike Authority."
- “We have many challenges ahead, but I’m confident we have the right team in place to conduct a thorough safety review,” said Romney. “Both the firm and the advisory panel are nationally recognized for their experience and background in construction, engineering and transportation, and I look forward to receiving the report and recommendations.”
- George Stephanopoulos
- Why did you sign a pledge ruling out any tax increases?
- 1st Debate
- What tax would you like to cut?
- ‘‘2nd Debate’’
- Why isn't your pledge to not raise taxes a blatant appeal to the party base?
- 4rth Debate
- Do you want to cut taxes to fix more bridges?
- Will you replace the income, estate, payroll, and capital gains tax with a 23 percent sales tax?
- ‘‘2nd Debate’’
- If three shopping centers near major U.S. cities have been hit by suicide bombers. Hundreds are dead, thousands injured. A fourth attack has been averted when the attackers were captured off the Florida coast and taken to Guantanamo Bay, where they are being questioned. U.S. intelligence believes that another larger attack is planned and could come at any time. How aggressively would you interrogate those being held at Guantanamo Bay for information about where the next attack might be? ‘‘2nd Debate’’