County government and regional planning
An effective state government. An intermediate level of government to solve regional problems (either through a revised county structure or an emerging regionalism). Regional planning on a statewide basis. High visibility for county and/or regional government. Home rule for counties.

Courts
A judicial system that provides equal justice for all through effective, modern administration, qualified judicial personnel, a strengthened probation service, and procedures and practices that ensure due process of law.

Executive branch
An effective state government. A strong executive branch with lines of authority and responsibility clearly defined.

Fiscal policy
Support of a state and local tax structure that will have an equitable impact on taxpayers and adequately support state services with consideration of the effect on the state's economy. Distribution of state aid in a manner that will equalize municipal resources. A comprehensive state budget system that will provide a basis for the evaluation of the cost and effectiveness of current state programs and long-range capital expenditures. Up-to-date, uniform and accurate property valuations. Efficient management of the revenue collection systems.

Home rule
An effective state government. Home rule for Massachusetts cities and towns in local matters.

Legislature
An effective state government. A strong and highly visible legislative branch that is districted on the basis of population into contiguous, compact, single-member districts by an appointed, bipartisan commission, and that maintains its traditional role as a democratic forum.

Public personnel
A public personnel system based upon merit principles and enlightened practices.

Social Policy

Child abuse prevention and treatment
The prevention of child abuse and neglect. The protection and care of children experiencing abuse and neglect.

Corrections
A sound corrections system for the rehabilitation of the adult and juvenile offender.

Day care
A coordinated state policy for quality day care for the children of Massachusetts with adequate funding for implementation by the responsible state agencies.

Domestic Violence                                                                                                                                                                                                 The prevention of domestic violence; a strong statewide response to domestic violence that is integrated, interdisciplinary, and adequately funded, involving all segments of the criminal justice system, the medical community, the schools, social services, and the private sector, with a primary focus on the safety of victims.

Education
LWVM has acted under the LWVUS position supporting equal access to education. State positions in education address: statewide standards, equal opportunity, fiscal autonomy, school committee/teacher relationships, higher education.

Handgun control
Elimination of the private possession of handguns and assault weapons.

Health care
An affordable health care system that provides equal access to quality health care for all.

Legalized casino gambling
Opposition to the establishment of legalized casino gambling in Massachusetts.

Reproductive choices
Freedom of individuals to make informed reproductive decisions.

Transportation
A statewide public transportation service, accessible to all, that provides access to jobs, housing and services while creating minimum disruption of the environment. Public monies allocated flexibly to meet public transportation needs.

LWVUS positions often used by state and local Leagues:
Government

Citizen rights
Protection of basic constitutional rights. Protect the citizen's right to know and facilitate citizen participation in government decision-making.

Election process (Campaign financing)
Improve methods of financing political campaigns in order to ensure the public's right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, enable candidates to compete more equitably for public office and promote citizen participation in the political process.

Voting rights
Protect the right of every citizen to vote; encourage all citizens to vote.

Natural resources

Promote an environment beneficial to life through the protection and wise management of natural resources in the public interest by recognizing the interrelationship of air quality, energy, land use, waste management and water resources.

Social policy

Promote social and economic justice, secure equal rights for all and combat discrimination and poverty.

Equality of opportunity
Support equal access to education, employment and housing. Support ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and efforts to bring laws into compliance with the goals of the ERA.

Meeting basic human needs
Support programs and policies to prevent or reduce poverty and to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families.