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Where We Stand - Program in Brief
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.
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.
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