Mass Priorities Launches "No Blank Check" Billboard Campaign in West Springfield

This week, Mass Priorities announced an expansion of its educational efforts in Western Massachusetts with the unveiling of a new billboard at the intersection of Route 5 and Interstate 91 in West Springfield.

“Mass Priorities is committed to advocating for responsible allocation of taxpayer dollars, emphasizing the importance of funding critical services such as education, public safety, and infrastructure over unnecessary pet projects,” said Christopher Thrasher, Mass Priorities policy director. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to this mission with the unveiling of a striking billboard designed to capture the attention of West Springfield residents and municipal leadership alike.”

The billboard features a powerful visual—a blank check made out to Westfield Gas and Electric with the memo line reading “Whip City Fiber” and signed by West Springfield taxpayers. Accompanying this imagery is a bold message: “No Blank Checks for Government Broadband – Fund Critical Massachusetts Priorities.” This visual metaphor serves as a stark reminder of the potential misuse of taxpayer funds if not properly scrutinized.

The Mass Priorities educational campaign in Western Massachusetts seeks to emphasize the necessity of critical analysis and thoughtful expenditure of taxpayer resources, especially during times of economic uncertainty and dwindling federal support.

“As municipal budgets come under increasing strain, we must make prudent decisions to avoid cuts to essential services and threats to bond ratings,” said Thrasher. “By promoting fiscal diligence and accountability, we can safeguard the interests of taxpayers and ensure that the use of limited municipal funds focuses on real community priorities.”