Candidate for Massachusetts House of Representatives - 8th Norfolk District in 2020 Massachusetts Primary Election.
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Get StartedI am eager to dismantle systemic racism. I proudly say that Black Lives Matter. But words are not enough. We need actionable policies that will reverse the racism plaguing all of our institutions – from schools to banks to housing to hospitals to police. Learn more
Massachusetts should expand the Universal Pre-K (UPK) program to live up to its name. All 3- and 4- year olds in the Commonwealth should be offered a public pre-K education. Similarly, full day kindergarten should be the norm and fully-funded. For all early childhood education, costs should not be borne by local districts but funded state-wide from the Fair Share Amendment or a modest increase in the capital gains tax. Learn more
Massachusetts must reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. This bill (H.2836) would work toward that by setting a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2035. The Commonwealth needs to create a Workforce Development Fund for the clean energy industries in our state – a subject I’ve researched as an economist. Learn more
Low income communities, people of color – they’re disproportionately burdened by pollution. What’s lacking is a coherent definition of “environmental justice” to guide state policy. The Environmental Justice Act (H.761), which I wholeheartedly support, would codify such a definition and require state agencies to have their “environmental impact reports” consider EJ communities. Learn more
Exclusionary zoning that prevents needed development has to be rolled back, and can be done while still retaining local control. Massachusetts should scale back single-family-only zoning, along the lines of what Minneapolis has done, and legalizing “gentle density” that would dramatically improve affordability. Learn more
Massachusetts has not been building enough homes in recent decades. Governor Charlie Baker’s An Act to Promote Housing Choices is a good start – but it doesn’t go far enough in ensuring affordable housing. Yet it gets one thing absolutely right: municipal zoning changes should pass with a majority vote, rather than a super-majority. And we should be building up our housing supply to meet the surging demand – it’s Economics 101. Learn more
Immigrants are valued members of our community in Massachusetts – they contribute to the economy as workers and taxpayers; they’re raising their children here; and they worship in the same churches, mosques, and synagogues as citizens. We must protect immigrants, both documented and undocumented. President Trump has spewed hateful rhetoric and ordered the roundup of all undocumented immigrants, regardless of their status. This fear-mongering has made us less safe – as immigrants are now less likely to report crimes, especially domestic violence. Learn more
The MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board needs to accelerate its focus on identifying assets in poor condition, and we need to fund those improvements. That is why it’s critical we pass the Fair Share Amendment, a 4% surtax on incomes over $1 million, and dedicate some of those funds to upgrade existing public transit. It’s not just the MBTA, either. Regional Transit Authorities and Bus Prioritization Partnerships have a major role to play. For example: local bus service would reduce congestion and alleviate parking scarcity at T-stations. Learn more
Housing and transportation go hand-in-hand. I will push for zoning changes that allow for 40R Smart Growth Districts and similar models of housing development clustered around public transit. Learn more
Greater Boston is the only one of the top 10 cities in the country not using time-of-day pricing to manage congestion. This is a proven method to significantly reduce gridlock. In the legislature, I will support means-based pricing – an approach to variable road pricing that is specifically designed not to be regressive. Learn more
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