Keller @ Large: Why the number of people leaving Massachusetts is so concerning

BOSTON – A large number of Massachusetts residents have been leaving the state in recent years. So what impact will that have?

WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller talked to Doug Howgate, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.

A recent study by the foundation found that more than 100,000 people have left Massachusetts over a two-year period.

"For a lot of folks the relative cost of leaving Massachusetts became cheaper, more options opened up," Howgate said. "They maybe keep a base in Massachusetts, but live in Maine, live in Vermont. So you have that amplifying what was happening [before the pandemic]."

Howgate said policy decisions such as income tax, transportation, and childcare options are among the reasons people are leaving the state.

One concerning aspect is that young people 26-35 years old make up a large chunk of those fleeing Massachusetts.

"That's our future workforce," Howgate said. "We need that cohort of folks in Massachusetts to serve our economy and make sure our state thrives."

Keller @ Large: Part 2