Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Robert Reich outlined his economic reform plan, which focuses on improving social programs, to a crowd of reporters and campaign supporters at the Old State House yesterday.

“We are at a crossroads,” said Reich, the former labor secretary under President Clinton. “We can either repeat the mistakes of the past or realize the promise of the future.”

Reich’s vision seeks to stimulate the state’s economy by supporting public education, healthcare, transportation and environmental programs. Focusing on and improving these areas, he said, would increase worker satisfaction and productivity, thereby attracting businesses to Massachusetts.

“In this age of huge corporations and global capitalism, the government should protect the interests of ordinary people,” Reich said.

According to Reich, investing in the working class will yield strong returns.

“Making these investments isn’t just an ethical imperative; it’s an economic necessity,” he said. “The long-term question is not whether we can afford to make these investments; it is whether we can afford not to.”

The alternative, according to Reich, is a trickle-down mire of decreased worker safety, lower wages and poor job security brought on by cost-cutting.

“The problem with cheap labor is that anyone can offer it,” he said. “The low road leads downhill.”

Reich has billed himself as one of the more progressive candidates in the gubernatorial race. Young progressives, such as intern campaign coordinator Brian Tanner, 25, make up the majority of Reich’s supporters.

“He’s progressive and he has a really good vision for the future,” Tanner said. “He knows the value of education and its importance in a knowledge-based economy.”

An integral part of Reich’s platform is his focus on education for students and workers alike. He affirmed his stance on education in the face of the state’s recent budget woes.

“Public education cannot be sacrificed at the altar of budget crisis,” Reich said.

One of his proposed programs would create incentives for college students to enter teaching or social service professions by offering students studying those fields lower down payments on their student loans. Reich said the new incentive would boost education for both students and workers.

“As a young person, it’s important to me that Bob [Reich] talks about education and worker training,” said Dorie Clark, Reich’s campaign press secretary.

Clark also said she strongly approved of his support for the gay community.

“I’m gay, and he has a really strong track record with gays and lesbians,” she said.