The term "Massachusetts Miracle" refers to a period of economic growth in the state of Massachusetts during most of the 1980s. Previous to this, the state had been hit hard by deindustrialization and resulting unemployment. The unemployment rate fell from more than 12% to less than 3%, which was accompanied by tax reductions and a drastic increase in personal income. The growth was heavily centered in high-tech industry and financial services, within Boston and in its suburbs along Route 128. The expansion of the high tech industry along MA-128 has led to the term "128" meaning more than just the road itself, but the technology area as a whole, much like Silicon Valley. Some notable companies at the time of the Miracle were Digital Equipment Corporation, Data General, Wang Laboratories, and Apollo Computer.
Michael Dukakis was governor of Massachusetts during most of this time and attempted to take credit for the "Miracle" during his campaign for United States President in 1988.
Famous quotes containing the word miracle:
“How vigilant we are! determined not to live by faith if we can avoid it; all the day long on the alert, at night we unwillingly say our prayers and commit ourselves to uncertainties. So thoroughly and sincerely are we compelled to live, reverencing our life, and denying the possibility of change. This is the only way, we say; but there are as many ways as there can be drawn radii from one centre. All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every instant.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)