Education Funding Reform
For nearly 50 years, the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA) has monitored education aid. Since the passage of the Education Reform Act of 1993, the League has been a critic of the Chapter 70 formula for distributing education aid and has proposed solutions to provide a more equitable formula. The League has been advocating for significantly revising the Foundation Budget formula to more accurately project districts’ costs, to more equitably distribute resources, and to empower schools to improve outcomes for all students. Click here to read LWVMA testimony on the funding formula. In November of 2019, the Student Opportunity Act was enacted into law bringing much needed change to the foundation funding formula used to allocate educational funds in Massachusetts.
Affordable Housing
LWVMA has been a long-time supporter of programs, policies and regulations to address the housing needs of low- and moderate-income families and individuals. Click here and see section on “Affordable Housing.”
Transportation
LWVMA supports a transportation system to move people and goods which includes a variety of transportation modes, with emphasis on increased public transportation services and other viable alternatives to reduce vehicle miles traveled; is efficient, convenient, and cost effective; is safe and secure; serves all segments of the population and diverse geographic needs; minimizes harmful effects on the environment; is integrated with land use; and is supported by extensive public education. Please click here and scroll to “Environment – Climate Change and Energy.”
Gun Safety
LWVMA supports elimination of the private possession of handguns and assault weapons. Until such time as a ban on the private possession of handguns and assault weapons becomes law the League supports improved and standardized licensing procedures; training in the use of handguns and assault weapons and the responsibilities of ownership; education of the public to the dangers of the handgun in the home; strict enforcement of the present laws concerning handgun ownership; measures to encourage the removal of all handguns and assault weapons from the home and street. Click here for current legislation we are supporting.
Single-Payer Healthcare
LWVMA has long supported efforts to ensure affordable and equal access to quality health care for all. Click here for more information about current legislation we are supporting.
Protecting Children and Families
LWVMA has held long-standing positions on meeting basic human needs, the prevention and treatment for child abuse, addressing domestic violence and supporting day care. Click here and scroll to the section “Children and Family Issues” for more information about current legislation we are supporting.