Taxachusetts is also a Massive Weapons Production State

The defense industry generated $26 billion in economic activity in Massachusetts last year, accounting for 85 percent of all federal contracts awarded in the state, according to a study released yesterday, reports the Boston Globe.

The report — from the University of Massachusetts’ Donahue Institute and funded by defense contractor Raytheon Co. — found that defense contracts awarded in the state have nearly tripled over the past 10 years, to $15.6 billion in 2009 from $5.5 billion in 2000.

Only four other states — Virginia, California, Texas, and Maryland — received more in defense contracts than Massachusetts did last year.

According to the study, 100,000 jobs in Massachusetts are associated with the weapons production industry. No numbers were immediately available has to how many have been killed, maimed, or injured as a result of the weapons created in the state.