The Economy; Putting People Back to Work

Dick Moore understands that the majority of residents throughout the Worcester & Norfolk district have in one way or another been impacted by the global economic recession. He has spoken to many voters who feel some sort of insecurity about their employment or are still seeking employment. Consequently, his top priority upon reelection is to brace our district for strong economic recovery, which includes putting people back to work and making government the resource it should, and can be. 

He intends to keep fighting for lower cost individual and small business health insurance, incentives for veterans and small business to begin and grow, helping existing businesses flourish, including finding opportunities for international trade. He understands that we live in a global economy, but he views our district as a suitable and advantageous place to locate a business, and wants to continue developing around I-495, Route 146, Route 16, and I-395.

Government Reform - A State Government that Works Better

Dick Moore wants to deliver better value to his constituents from state government. He understands that when times get tough you cannot simply dip back into the taxpayers pocket, instead, like his constituents have done, you must look in your own piggy bank and find savings. As such, he intends to continue fighting for the “sunset review” process to reform state government, enacting performance measurement for all state programs, and ensuring implementation of a more transparent state budget process. According to Dick Moore, if programs are duplicative or not meeting their intended goals, then they have no use in our system and do not warrant taxpayer funding.

He also still firmly believes that the state needs to put a better emphasis on making reports and documents available online, where people from across the Commonwealth can review and comment on them, either from home or at public libraries.

Health Care

Dick Moore is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts in health care policy across the country. He has worked to deliver better value to patients across the Commonwealth, which he views as a balance between lower cost, better quality care that is readily available. He understands that our system has come a long way since the 2006 Health Care Reform law, but he also acknowledges that our work is far from complete.

Cost controls are in place, but the respected lawmaker still wants to go further. He believes that Massachusetts needs to continue with our Payment Reform plans to create a more patient centered system that rewards prevention and cost savings measures. He also believes that we need to successfully implement our role in national health reform.

Dick Moore also has an interest in strengthening our local public health system to promote wellness and prevention and reduce the causes of premature death in the region – which include smoking, substance abuse, and nutrition.

Education

As a former educational administrator, Dick Moore understands the value of a quality education. He has put an emphasis throughout his career on preparing the next generation to not only drive our economy as employees, but to drive our country and world as leaders. He understands that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and that to be active and engaged citizen, we must supply them with an adequate and thorough education.

To accomplish this, Dick Moore believes that we need to update the Chapter 70 funding formula for education aid for our local schools to reflect the true cost of educating a child in the 21st century, and that we need to keep our public higher education system affordable and accessible. This includes growing Quinsigamond Community College in Southbridge and the Blackstone Valley/Milford area and the new Westfield State College program in Southbridge.

He also believes that we must continue to generate quality, local teachers who can continue to keep the Commonwealth’s students competitive. The MCAS standards are high, and should remain high so as to maintain our competitive edge across the world.

He also believes that History should be a component of that testing.

To accomplish these educational goals, Dick Moore also understands the need for adequate space, and would like to finish the development of new schools in Uxbridge, Sutton, Southbridge, and the discussions currently developing in Milford and Webster.

Other projects linked to the value of education include library needs in Mendon and Douglas.

Immigration

Dick Moore realizes that many of us are descendants of immigrants and that without their hard work and the risks they assumed, our country would look much different today. In addition, the United States remains a popular and attractive place to pursue prosperity and security for individuals and their loved ones. However, with a lengthy bureaucratic process that can be expensive and uncertain, many individuals resort to entering our country illegally or remaining in the country beyond the date of their visa. In the absence of any substantive federal solution to protect our borders from these entrants, the burden of has fallen to states to protect their own interests.

To protect the interests of Massachusetts and its taxpayers, Dick Moore not only voted for but also co-sponsored a proposal that passed the Massachusetts Senate to limit public benefits and services to individuals who reside in this country legally. He believes that employers and landlords must be responsible for confirming the legal status of their employees and tenants, especially if they expect a public benefit. Whether they enjoy a state contract or receive subsidies from the Commonwealth, the state has a direct interest in ensuring services provided by tax dollars are going to taxpayers. Dick Moore will continue to protect the interests of taxpayers when individuals apply for state services.

Furthermore, as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures, he will continue to encourage the federal government to adopt a comprehensive solution to the issue of illegal immigration that recognizes the burden placed upon states.

Environment

Dick Moore has been one of the most steadfast advocates for the protection of the region’s rich natural resources, and intends to continue that fight upon his re-election. A champion of the creation of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, he sees the value in the recognition of the region’s rich history and contributions to our nation’s history. Beyond that, he sees the pristine and natural beauty of the region that must be preserved and protected. As such, his priorities include finishing the Blackstone River Bikeway, the Quinebaug Rail Trail, and the French River Greenway. He also wants to continue fighting to transition the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor into a National Park.

Dick Moore’s other areas of focus include promoting green communities and alternative energy opportunities, as well as continuing to protect and restore our beautiful lakes and ponds: Webster Lake, Lake Nipmuc (Mendon), Wallum Lake (Douglas), Milford Pond, Hopedale and Spindleville Ponds, Lake Hiawatha (Bellingham), Pout Pond (Uxbridge); Manchaug Pond (Sutton).

Transportation

Dick Moore has long been a champion of providing residents of the Worcester & Norfolk District with better access to public transportation. Often an access to basic needs, transportation must remain a priority throughout our district, and Dick Moore has pledged to continue fighting for better access. He intends to continue promoting expanded bus/van transportation in our region and fighting for better access for freight and passenger rail along the Providence and Worcester; Grafton and Upton lines.

He also has put an emphasis on repairing our roadways and intersections, including projects like Pulaski Boulevard in Bellingham, continuing the resurfacing along Route 146, or the intersection at Route 146 and Boston Road, a project that has been gaining momentum.

In other words, Dick Moore has clear plans to keep fighting for us.