Candidate Survey Response: Jobs & the Economy
I received and responded to a candidate survey from Progressive Mass. In the spirit of transparency, I’m happy to answer candidate surveys from any legitimate organization in Massachusetts as long as they don’t require me to refrain from sharing the questions and my responses.
It was an extremely long survey covering a variety of topics, and it also asked questions related to many topics (see other topics on the platform details page). Below is an excerpt of questions/responses. For brevity, I’ve omitted responses to questions that are already covered elsewhere on this website.
Questions as worded on the survey, my “yes/no” required response on the form, and my additional commentary to provide clarity:
Share your principles and proposals regarding creating good-paying jobs for all and reducing inequality in the Commonwealth.
Aside from attempting to ensure we have respect for everyone's time and attention in government, business, and society. I have not identified specific proposals for “good-paying jobs for all”. I would be open to a discussion or suggestions about how you suggest to achieve this. With regard to reducing inequality, I'm primarily focused on understanding the specific needs of individuals, families, and communities and developing practical solutions that meet their needs. This will not always translate into obvious social media and PR opportunities, but it will put the people that are impacted inequality at the center of the decision-making process.
Livable Wages. Although Massachusetts now has a $15 minimum wage, that is still not a living wage in much of Massachusetts, and $15 has lost a lot of value due to high inflation. Do you support the following steps..?
а. Raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour?
NO — additional comments below
b. Eliminating subminimum wages?
YES — additional comments below
c. Ensuring that the minimum wage law applies to municipal workers?*
YES — additional comments below
d. Indexing the minimum wage to inflation?
NO — additional comments below
Additional comments on livable wages
I believe in dignity and respect for everyone, and in turn paying them appropriately for their time, attention, and experience while they are on the job. However, I'm not sure that the minimum wage (while necessary) is the most effective way to achieve this. This is particularly important for teenagers and those looking to enter the workforce and develop the skills that will lead to professional success later in life. If the minimum wage is raised too high, it may bias employers to away from hiring younger, less experienced part time employees. Also, since raising the minimum wage can lead to increased inflation, I would be hesitant to make a direct tie to inflation without any other considerations. It is especially important to consider that this would also mean that the minimum wage would go down when deflation occurs, which may lead to other unintended consequences.
Wage Theft. Do you support holding businesses responsible for the wage violations of their subcontractors when the work they do is substantially connected to the company's operations?
YES
Mandatory Arbitration. Would you support legislation to prohibit the use of mandatory arbitration provisions in employment contracts, i.e., requirements that an employee forfeit the right to sue the employer for discrimination, nonpayment of wages, or other illegal conduct?
NO — I am not opposed to the overall concept, but there are a lot of scenarios where mandatory arbitration can be to the benefit of employees as well as employers • particularly where there is a strong union presence. Therefore, I would need to understand the nuances of a particular proposal.
Paid Leave for Municipal Workers. In 2018, MA passed the strongest paid family and medical leave law in the country. However, the law did not include municipal workers. Would you support extending the law to make sure that municipal workers have access to these vital benefits?
NO — I am not opposed to this concept. However, many municipal workers are already receiving significant pension and medical benefits as part of their employment. If you were to provide me with an analysis of the impact and effectiveness of a particular proposal, I would be happy to comment.
Right to Strike. Would you support legislation to legalize the right to strike for public employees (with the exception of public safety personnel) after six months of failed negotiations with their employer?
YES — It is important to allow for balanced negotiations between employers and employees, and for employees of governments and large corporations there can be a distinct power imbalance, which may require collective bargaining and an opportunity to strike to the extent to which it does not negatively impact public safety. That said, for public employees (such as teachers), it is also important to recognize that the result of a strike can significantly impact entire communities, including those who can least afford to miss work or pay for additional childcare. Therefore, any legislation that would support a right to strike by public employees should also include provisions for the state, municipalities, and the unions engaged in collective bargaining to each contribute funding, bonds, or insurance policies prior to any strike action or contract expiration to mitigate the impact of the strike on the community members that depend on the services that would otherwise be provided. The incentive structure for both employer and union should be to avoid disruptions to public services whenever possible.
Gig Economy. More than 200,000 workers in Massachusetts now work in the "gig economy," with the rise of app-based platforms. However, their employers often seek to evade labor law in order to avoid treating them as employees and provide decent pay and benefits.
a. Will you oppose all legislation that weakens MA labor law protecting employees from being misclassified as "independent contractors"?
YES — I do need to clarify that I won't support "all legislation" - I would need to review the legislation and understand that it is written properly with effective enforcement mechanisms. I wouldn't want a well intended proposal to backfire on workers.
b. Would you support legislation to ensure drivers and delivery workers receive the same protections, wages, rights, and benefits that all Massachusetts workers are entitled to under law?
YES
State House as a Workplace. Although the Legislature voted in 2017 to increase legislators' pay, the Legislature has not taken necessary steps to ensure staff are being properly compensated. Staff are often overworked and underpaid, leading to burnout and making it difficult for the State House to retain diverse talent.
a. Would you support legislation to extend collective bargaining rights to State House staff?
YES
b. Do you support the creation of an independent commission to investigate and report on complaints of workplace and sexual harassment in the Massachusetts Legislature?
YES
Additional Comments:
I'm also supportive of the State Auditor's ballot initiative to clarify that non-legislative functions of the State Legislature are open to the same audit practices as any other part of the government.
Public Bank: Would you support the creation of a Massachusetts public bank chartered to provide cost-effective financing for small businesses and municipalities, land trusts and cooperatives, and projects for climate change adaptation and remediation?
YES