Michael Seamus Day

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

I will champion the extension of drug court diversion programs that allow our court system the flexibility necessary in dealing with crimes resulting from drug dependency and provide individuals with a true path to recovery instead of incarceration. I will push to re-examine mandatory minimum sentencing laws to gauge their effectiveness in drug cases and, where appropriate, implement improved guidelines for the efficient and just operation of our criminal justice system. Learn more

Drug Policy

I will advocate for the implementation of harm reduction programs and the authorization of new treatments that can counter, or even eliminate, physical dependency on opioids and other highly addictive drugs. We must increase the availability of overdose reversal drugs so that our first responders are well equipped with these life-saving treatments that have already saved thousands of lives. Learn more

Economy

I will sponsor legislation that will reduce the filing fees for small businesses, provide meaningful tax credits and incentives to small businesses that actually create new jobs, and encourage companies to hire individuals currently drawing unemployment assistance from the state, thereby moving those individuals back off of welfare and back onto the taxpayer rolls. Learn more

Education

My top priority is to reform the outdated and inequitable state education funding formula (Chapter 70) so students in every community receive their fair share of education aid. Learn more

I will advocate for universal pre-K for all children and fight to ensure that every citizen has access to higher education and adult continuing education opportunities across the state. Learn more

Environment / Energy

As your State Representative, I will work tirelessly to preserve the natural charms of our towns and to combat the rising tide of urban and suburban sprawl by utilizing Smart Growth initiatives designed to improve our neighborhoods without damaging their unique character. I will work to pass legislation that updates antiquated zoning laws and enable our cities and towns to reduce unwanted sprawl. I will also use the power of my office to oppose developers who refuse to work cooperatively with neighbors and town officials and to support those who seek to redevelop our existing inventory of commercial and residential properties so that we can repurpose dilapidated and abandoned properties. Learn more

As your State Representative, I will work to enact legislation forcing manufacturers to shoulder an increased share of the growing burden of e-waste recycling and disposal. Additionally, I will work to improve and adequately fund our public transportation system and infrastructure. Investments in both of those measures will not only save us money, but will also curb significant air and water pollution. Learn more

I will be a staunch advocate for the renewable energy industry and will promote our state as the most attractive destination for start-up companies in the burgeoning “green economy” space. Together, we can support the phasing out of coal in Massachusetts and commit to expanding clean and renewable energy sources across the state. Learn more

Healthcare

I will also fight to honor the pension, health care and related commitments we made to our seniors and safeguard essential resources such as ride sharing programs and our senior centers. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

I will increase job stability and support our middle-class workers through dogged advocacy and by sponsoring legislation requiring companies to provide their workers with reasonable paid/earned sick leave so that working parents have the ability to care for sick children. I believe in equal pay for women and men and support legislation promoting equal pay for equal work. I support the right of workers to mobilize and advocate for their own fair treatment, and I will be a stalwart champion of collective bargaining rights. Learn more

I support recent legislation increasing the minimum wage to 11 per hour by 2017 and will work to index future minimum wage increases to the Consumer Price Index, so that our workers don’t bear the brunt of inflation. Learn more