“As your State Representative, I will work to BALANCE our state government, help CREATE jobs, and LOWER taxes.” -Kurt Hayes
Why I am running:
Massachusetts is a wonderful place to live, but we have big challenges that we must solve in order to work our way out of the current economic crisis. I want to ensure that our children are able to live and thrive in a Massachusetts that is balanced and financially strong. My top priority is to get our economy growing again by retaining and attracting businesses and employees. We must also tackle run-away healthcare costs in the Commonwealth. We have universal insurance coverage and must now make our healthcare system affordable and sustainable.
Balance and Accountability:
Single-party rule has fostered a culture of corruption, back-room deals, irresponsibility, and arrogance in our State House. Legislation is rammed through without debate and abuses of power go unchecked. We deserve transparency and diversity of thought, which encourages an exchange of ideas and will hold our government accountable to the people.
Jobs and Small Business:
I am an advocate for free enterprise who believes that lower taxes and less burdensome regulation can encourage economic growth and create jobs. The state government must foster an environment that will allow Massachusetts to compete for employers and the jobs needed to work our way out of the current financial crisis. Kurt earned the endorsement of the Business & Industry PAC of North Central Massachusetts (BIPAC) and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in 2008 and looks forward to doing the same in 2010.
Taxes and Government Spending:
While you have tightened your personal budget to live within your means, our state government continues to burden our children with massive debt. The current Beacon Hill politicians have avoided the tough decisions and real reform we need today for a brighter future tomorrow. I believe we must roll-back recent tax hikes and do a top-to-bottom review of the state government to cut waste and restore your trust. Kurt has been endorsed by the Citizens for Limted Taxation CLT 2 1/2 PAC, while his opponent has received a 7% rating.
Education:
As the father of three children in the public school system, I fully support teachers and understand the challenging, crucial role they play in educating our children. Each child in Massachusetts deserves the same opportunity for an excellent education to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Unpredictable special education and transportation costs that overburden town budgets should be fully funded at the state level.
Health care:
Massachusetts has universal coverage with mandated ‘health insurance for all’. As predicted by many, the costs have been much higher than planned. Our healthcare system is unsustainable. We must take steps to address the cost side of the equation. Further government expansion and price-fixing is not the solution. I support more competition, Tort reform, fewer mandates on individuals and businesses, and common-sense reforms to drive out waste and get costs under control.
Energy and the Environment:
We have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of our environment and the peoples money. As the world leading economic power and benefactor, we depend on tremendous supplies of energy and resources to keep the engine of our economy and society running & growing. I will work for a balanced energy policy that encourages development and use of renewable energy sources while also making existing energy sources more affordable.
Immigration:
We are a nation based on the rule of law and a nation of lawful immigrants. Massachusetts must not encourage illegal immigration by providing taxpayer-funded in-state tuition and other benefits entitled to our citizens. We must give law enforcement agencies the tools and authority to enforce our current immigration laws for those here illegally. We must also hold accountable those employers who hire and exploit them.
Abortion:
On this most divisive issue, my wish is for Americans to focus on common ground. I hope we all agree that there are too many abortions in America, and that the only way to reduce the number of abortions is through education and personal responsibility. We should provide women considering abortion the resources and education to enable and empower them to choose life, including programs that can increase adoptions. I oppose partial birth abortion and I support parental consent and notification requirements.
Marriage:
I believe marriage is between one man and one woman. I support civil unions for same-sex couples. I believe a decision such as the definition of marriage should respect the will and support of the voters at the ballot box and not be determined by appointed, unaccountable judges.
Gun Ownership:
I believe that the right to keep and bear arms is a liberty protected under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I support safe, responsible gun ownership by law-abiding citizens. Kurt has received a 95% rating from GOAL.
If you have a specific question on any issue, please contact Kurt via the Contact Kurt page or call (978) 785-9371.