Deval Patrick MyOcracy topics and responses

Criminal Justice

Use of treatment centers for violators of criminal laws targeting drug-use

• 2012-01-23: Warehousing non-violent offenders is a costly policy failure

Civil Rights

Support marriage rights between same-sex individuals

• 2012-09-04: Today in Massachusetts, you can marry whomever you love

  Support for gun control measures

• 2013-01-16: More gun safety measures to help stop tragedies
• 2006-11-07: Strengthen existing gun laws; require background checks
• 2006-09-25: Focus on guns & gang violence, not immigration status

  Abortion rights: Women should choose

• 2006-01-15: Decisions on abortion should be made by women

Economic Issues

Taxes for wealthier tax payers: More

• 2006-09-25: Tax rollback is shell game, shifting burden to property tax
• 2006-09-13: Cut the property tax, not the income tax

  Taxes for wealthier tax payers: Less

• 2006-01-15: Allow cities to raise local meals tax-trust local officials

Education Issues

Increase per pupil funding

• 2006-09-13: Veto moratorium, but cap charters until funding is reformed
• 2006-06-03: Supports unionized Horace Mann charter over regular charters

  Oppose school vouchers

• 2006-04-30: Cap charter schools until funding formulas improved
• 2005-09-15: Expand early education opportunities

  Support privatization of mass education

• 2005-09-15: Supports charter schools

Environmental Issues

Eliminate tax incentives and/or subsidies to the fossil fuel industry

• 2006-09-13: Make Massachusetts a global center for alternative energy
• 2005-09-15: Invest in public transportation & smart growth
• 2005-09-15: Tax credits for energy efficient cars
• 2005-09-15: Cut Energy costs and develop renewable energy

  Use tax incentives for wind energy development and use

• 2011-11-02: Letter to Congress supporting renewable energy tax credit
• 2005-09-15: Support renewable energy like Cape Wind

  Increase tax incentives for solar energy development and use

• 2009-07-16: Develop solar power projects to generate 250 MW by 2017

  Consumer tax credits for the purchase of hybrid or electric vehicles

• 2005-09-15: Convert state fleet to hybrids and fuel-efficient cars

Healthcare Issues

Require all taxpayers to obtain full-coverage health insurance

• 2009-10-01: Adopt national health reform legislation before the end of the year

  Provide tax incentives for preventative health care expenditures

• 2005-09-15: Focus on prevention and wellness programs

Immigration

Allow in-state tuition at public universities and colleges for undocumented students

• 2006-09-25: In-state tuition ok for illegals; focus on employers
• 2005-11-02: Supports in-state tuition rates for illegal immigrants

  Provide amnesty for undocumented individuals

• 2006-09-25: Drivers licenses for illegals, for security and safety