Why I support Senator Jason Lewis

I would like to thank Senator Jason Lewis for his positions and accomplishments.

As a Melrose resident I appreciate his securement of close to $2 million dollars to pay for a number of projects in the town; for example, repairs and maintenance of the Fire Department, restoration of an historic Wyoming Cemetery wall, a transportation bond bill for significant improvements on the Washington Street Smart Growth Corridor, and improvements and remediation for the Pine Banks Park.

As a concerned citizen I applaud his advocacy for healthcare as a human right, gender pay equality, paid family and medical leave, earned sick time, women’s health, criminal justice reform, improvements in transit and infrastructure, universal early education, support for veterans affairs, a $15 minimum wage, earned income tax credit, and more.

In the last legislative session he wholeheartedly supported a bill that addresses an issue that I and 85% of Americans care deeply about: the corrupting influence of dark money in politics. If the bill eventually passes it will call on the U.S. Congress to pass a two-part amendment affirming that (I) money is not free speech (overturn Citizens United) and can be regulated and (2) only human beings, not corporations, have constitutional rights. Tackling these issues are priorities for saving U.S. democracy.

Senator Lewis is now Assistant Majority Whip, which makes him part of the Senate leadership team that determines Senate agenda and policy priorities. In addition, he is on numerous joint committees.

Because we need a legislator with a proven track record and experience (five years as state representative and four as state senator), I will vote for Senator Lewis in the September 4 state primary. I anticipate voting for him on November 6 as well!

Jane E. Manley

Melrose