The Senate is comprised of 40 members, with each Senator elected to represent a district of approximately 159,000 people and each elected for a two-year term. As required by the Massachusetts Constitution, the Senate meets year-round in either formal or informal sessions to consider legislation. The Massachusetts Senate is led by the President of the Senate who is elected by the members of the body at the beginning of each two-year legislative session. Base salary for each Senator is approximately $66,256.
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I do not currently support election day voter registration due to concerns about the security and integrity of our elections. While the convenience of same-day registration is appealing, it poses significant risks without robust verification measures in place. To address these concerns, I would be open to supporting election day voter registration if it included stringent security measures, such as requiring in-state Real ID, rather than basic IDs or out-of-state licenses. Utility bills or similar documents would not be sufficient proof of identity. Implementing these additional security measures would help ensure that our elections remain secure and trustworthy.
While I do not believe we are in a climate emergency, I do support measures to reduce pollution and promote environmental responsibility. Massachusetts can focus on practical and sustainable approaches such as enhancing recycling programs, reducing plastic waste, and promoting clean energy sources like nuclear, natural gas, and clean coal. I oppose technologies that rely on forced labor and human rights violations in their supply chains. We should balance environmental goals with ethical considerations and economic realities, ensuring that our policies do not unduly burden businesses or consumers.
To increase affordable and middle-market housing, the legislature must address regulatory and cost barriers inflating prices. My opponent, Joan Lovely, supported legislation like the Massachusetts Green Initiative, which increased building costs.
Additionally, the rise in interest rates and inflation is partly due to accepting $450 billion in federal funds despite warnings from the state economist. In an interview, Joan Lovely acknowledged these warnings but supported the funds.
By revising these green building codes and addressing excessive federal funding's impact, we can reduce costs and make housing more affordable. This will ease financial burdens on homebuilders and buyers, increasing affordable and middle-market housing availability.
My approach to immigration is firm yet fair: defund, detain, and deport. I believe in cutting funding for shelters, food, and welfare payments for illegal immigrants, which would likely result in a significant decrease in their numbers in our Commonwealth. Additionally, I support detaining illegal immigrants who break the law and imposing enhanced sentencing guidelines for those found guilty of crimes, similar to hate crime legislation. Furthermore, I would introduce legislation to impose serious fines and penalties on businesses and individuals who hire, house, or aid illegal immigrants, thereby reinforcing the rule of law and ensuring resources are prioritized for legal residents.
Transportation is a critical issue for our growing population. My priorities include increasing the availability of bus, rail, and ride-share services to ensure accessible transportation options for all residents. Additionally, I support substantial investments in infrastructure improvements, including bridges, roads, and rail systems, to accommodate future growth and enhance safety. To achieve these goals, I advocate for incentivizing advanced professions in city engineering and planning to attract and retain talent within Massachusetts, ensuring that our transportation infrastructure meets the needs of our communities effectively.