MOA Wrapped: The Five Most-Read Blogs of 2025

Move over Spotify wrapped. We’re bringing you MOA wrapped, a look back at our biggest hits of the year – cutting-edge research, analysis, and commentary that changed the conversation in Massachusetts.

Here are the top 5 blogs of the year:

1. Potential Ballot Measures: Income Tax Cuts, More Taxpayer Refunds 

August 6, 2025

This year, MOA’s research inspired two ballot measures: one aimed at cutting the income tax from 5% to 4% and another designed to return more money to taxpayers. Our research found that this tax cut would save the average taxpayer about $1,300 per year and boost the state’s GDP by up to $17.5 billion within three years. We also found that a tighter revenue cap could have triggered taxpayer refunds 24 times over the past 40 years, compared to just two refunds under the current system. Read more.

2. Businesses Shouldn’t Pay for the State’s UI Mistake

January 24, 2025

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts inadvertently misallocated federal relief funds to pay state unemployment benefits. This error resulted in a $2.5 billion debt owed to the federal government. The pressing question now is: how will the Commonwealth address this financial obligation without further burdening its businesses and residents? MOA polling found that 71% of residents believe it is unfair for businesses to pay for this mistake, especially as Massachusetts already ranks 47th nationally for UI tax rates. Read more.

3. FACT CHECK: A Tax-and-Spend Model Doesn’t Lead to Economic Prosperity 

May 23, 2025

This blog analyzed the history of Massachusetts’ fiscal policy, specifically how the Commonwealth earned the nickname “Taxachusetts.” It looks at how the fiscal discipline of Proposition 2 ½ helped transform our state into an innovation powerhouse. Ultimately, this analysis warns against returning to a tax-and-spend mindset that nearly destroyed our competitiveness. Read more.

4. FACT CHECK: New IPS Study Gets It Wrong on Surtax Impacts

April 30, 2025

This fact check looked at a flawed study by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) which asserted that Massachusetts’ surtax on earnings over one million dollars had not had a negative impact on the state. The study pointed to two data sources that allegedly proved the “number of wealthy individuals and their cumulative wealth grew after the enactment of higher taxes on high earners in Massachusetts.” We discuss how this claim was both wrong and misleading. Read more. 

5. POLLING: Bay Staters Sweating High Energy Costs Want Practical Solutions 

June 26, 2025

During a sweltering summer, Massachusetts’ energy infrastructure was being tested just as much as residents’ wallets. With the debate over Massachusetts’ energy future heating up, MOA polling found that residents support pragmatic energy reforms that bring costs down and reliability up. Read more.

Conclusion

It was a big year for MOA. Our ideas reached policymakers, business owners, and voters across the state and in many cases drove conversations surrounding competitiveness and economic growth. We’re excited to continue to advance policies in the New Year that will defend and strengthen our business climate and create economic opportunities for all.