About › Pioneer's Record of Achievement

20 Years of Common Sense...
and Uncommon Results

2009:
Pioneer focuses on what works.
Click here to view a rundown of Pioneer's 3 principal Centers over the years.
2008:
A Pioneer media campaign opposes a $500 million tax credit handout to biotechnology companies.
The legislature reduced the tax credit haul by $250 million.
1991-2008:
Pioneer’s Better Government Competition rewards citizens across the Commonwealth and the country for ideas that improve state and municipal government.
Application of BGC-winning ideas has saved Massachusetts taxpayers more than $400 million.
2008:
Pioneer advocates for the abolition of mandatory police details in favor of less costly civilian flaggers at road construction sites.
Governor Patrick announced his plan to curb the use of police details.
2006:
Pioneer’s study Housing Programs in Weak Market Neighborhoods proposes an emphasis on market-rate housing in the state’s affordable housing programs.
Reforms incorporated into the 2007 Housing Bond Bill.
2006:
Pioneer’s study Leaving Money on the Table calculates that our 106 local pension funds over a decade had forfeited $1.6 billion in potential returns.
Governor Patrick and the legislature partially adopt our plan to invest these funds in the state’s Pension Reserve Investment Trust.
2006:
Pioneer’s study The Elephant in the Room: Unfunded Public Employee Healthcare Benefits highlights the looming cost of such benefits and recommends tying benefits to an irrevocable fund.
Recommendation adopted by Governor Patrick and legislators in 2007.
2003:
Pioneer’s study Rationalizing Health and Human Services makes the case for statewide administrative reform.
Reorganization implemented in 2004, saving taxpayers $90 million.
1993-2003:
Pioneer researches, advocates and supports charter public schools and their enabling legislation.
More than 60 charter public schools now operate in Massachusetts.
1997-2001:
Pioneer’s research recommends changes to MBTA budgeting and administration.
In 2000 the legislature tightens the T’s belt and automates fare collection.
2000:
Pioneer’s study Charter Colleges: Balancing Freedom and Accountability recommends that the Massachusetts College of Art and Maritime Academy be granted increased operational freedom.
Reforms adopted in 2004.
1996:
Pioneer’s study Bilingual Education in Massachusetts: The Emperor Has No Clothes recommends "structured immersion" approach to teaching students with limited English proficiency.
Structured immersion was approved by public referendum in 2002.
1994:
Pioneer’s study Special Education: Good Intentions Gone Awry recommends the "free and appropriate education" standard.
Proposed reform incorporated into state law in 2000.
1990:
Pioneer’s study Work and Welfare in Massachusetts outlines a new approach to state welfare programs.
Welfare reform is enacted in 1996 by Governor Weld.