Jay Gonzalez in Gubernatorial campaign websites

On Crime: Treat underlying conditions that contribute to crime

When crime does occur, we need to deal with it effectively, swiftly and fairly. We need to treat the underlying conditions that contribute to crime, especially mental illness and addiction. We need to give all parts of the system, including police, prosecutors, public defenders, and corrections systems, a wider range of tools and options to tailor punishment and rehabilitation to the particular facts of a case and needs of the defendant. We need to expand in-prison and post-release programs to stop the cycle of recidivism and reincarceration.

On Crime: Over-incarceration has terrible costs for society

Overincarceration has terrible costs for individuals, families and communities as well. Former inmates earn 40% less each year than they would have earned had they not been incarcerated.

The overincarceration problem starts even before a defendant goes to trial. Unlike federal and many state courts, Massachusetts does not use a validated risk assessment process to make evidence-based bail decisions. Pre-trial detainees in Massachusetts are incarcerated on average nearly 60 days before release, compared to a national median length for a felony defendant of 45 days.

On Environment: New revenue to fix our broken mass transit system

We need new revenue to fix our broken MBTA system. We can't keep asking residents to pay more and get less. Governor Baker has jacked up fares on riders and threatened to cut commuter rail service for weekend riders, seniors and the disabled. And his proposed timeline for getting the MBTA into a state of good repair is unacceptable, thanks to his refusal to acknowledge and support the need for new revenue.

We also need to invest more in Regional Transit Authorities that serve the rest of the state. We need to do the South Coast Rail project the right way from the beginning--electrified via the Stoughton route. And that's why we need to seriously explore high-speed rail to Springfield, the North-South Rail Link and the Blue Line extension to Lynn.

On Foreign Policy: Recognize Syrian refugees and others in need

The first piece of legislation I supported as a candidate for Governor was the Safe Communities Act. Among other things, this legislation would make clear that state and local law enforcement resources may be used only to enforce state and local laws- not to enforce federal immigration laws.

And long before Donald Trump, Governor Baker failed to stand up against hate and discrimination time and time again. It's not ok. It's not who we are. If I'm your Governor, it will not matter what color you are; what you believe; whether you just came to this country or you are a Native American; whether you are a Syrian refugee; or whether you are transgender--I see you. I believe in you. And as your Governor, I would work for you.

On Government Reform: Strong campaign finance policies ensure democracy's promise

Our collective well-being depends on a strong, healthy and responsive democratic government. We need to aim high to ensure that our elections and government are open and responsive to all of us. We need to make it easier for regular people to impact elections and policy, and to participate equally in the political process, regardless of their income and resources.

We need strong campaign finance policies to ensure that our democracy fulfills its promise to each and every one of us, to the people. Unfortunately, the current system for funding elections falls far short of the ideal, both nationally and right here in Massachusetts.

On Gun Control: Ban assault weapons and gun silencers

Stopping Gun Violence Before It Starts
• Address the root causes of violence by investing in programs that provide stability in people's lives.
• Support community policing efforts aimed at building strong neighborhood ties and engaging high-risk youth
• Expand summer job programs for at-risk youth.
• Partner with cities and towns to target gun violence hot spots, and revitalize high-crime neighborhoods

Reducing Access to Guns and Increasing Enforcement
• Advocate for the reinstatement of the federal assault weapons ban.
• Support Attorney General Healey's enforcement of the state assault weapons ban, including "copycat" assault weapons.
• Support innovative and proven programs to get guns off the streets, such as buy backs.
• Oppose legislation that would legalize gun silencers.
• Promote development and advancement in "smart gun" technologies that restrict access to only a gun's legal owner.

On Technology: Don't just re-arrange deck chairs on Transportation Titanic

That's why I support the Fair Share Tax, which would ask people who make over $1 million a year to pay more in income taxes to fund investments in transportation and education. The tax would generate an additional $2 billion per year.

We desperately need new revenue for our transportation system. The condition of our transportation infrastructure and commute times in Massachusetts are among the worst in the country, and they are getting worse under the Baker Administration.

On Environment: Address water pollution despite Trump administration

"President Trump's disregard for our environment is yet another example of the ways in which he is taking this country backwards. Rather than aligning himself with President Trump and subjecting our Commonwealth to these dangerous policies, Governor Baker ought to demonstrate real leadership by pressing ahead with plans that will protect our environment. Governor Baker's decision to follow Trump's lead and punt on environmental protection is disappointing and indicative of the kind of lead-from-behind governance we've come to expect from him."

On Abortion: Close the federal gap in funding for Planned Parenthood

• Guarantee that women have access to no co-pay birth control if the Affordable Care Act is repealed; and
• Commit that future appointments to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will uphold women's rights to full reproductive freedom and ensure women's access to safe, legal abortion in Massachusetts.

On Civil Rights: Continue Massachusetts leadership like on marriage equality

On Education: Fierce advocate for high-quality early education

Jay has been a fierce advocate for high-quality early education for all of our children, and is the former Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Early Education and Care.

On Health Care: Health insurance coverage for low-income residents

He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Massachusetts Health Connector, where he oversaw implementation of Massachusetts' health care reform. Most recently, Jay served as President and CEO of CeltiCare Health and New Hampshire Healthy Families, where he helped tens of thousands of low-income residents access the health care services they need. Under his leadership, Jay turned CeltiCare Health around, launched New Hampshire Healthy Families, grew the company's regional presence by multiple times and added hundreds of jobs.

On Immigration: No round-up of immigrants by National Guard

"I call on Governor Baker to make clear that Massachusetts will not participate if President Trump seeks to authorize the National Guard to round up undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has always stood for the values of inclusion, diversity, and compassion, and Governor Baker should reassure our immigrant families today that he would not allow our National Guard to serve as an arm of President Trump's deportation forces."

On Immigration: Safe Communities: no Muslim registry; no state enforcement

• Ensure Massachusetts does not aid in the creation of a Muslim registry by prohibiting the federal government from accessing state databases to use in any federal registry program based on religion or national origin;
• Ensure anyone detained in the state is informed of their rights;
• Ensure that state, local, and campus police would not be forced to conduct immigration enforcement activities on behalf of the federal government.