Massachusetts



James P. McGovern, Democrat, District 2
Stephen F. Lynch, Democrat, District 8
Jonathan D. Lott, Independent, District 8
Bill Keating, Democrat, District 9

James P. McGovern, Democrat, District 2:
A. STEMM education is vital not to just Massachusetts, but to our nation as a whole. According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at almost twice the rate of other industries. It is a field that will create the next generation of critical thinkers, and innovators.

I have partnered closely with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) which is one of the country’s first engineering and technology universities, to help direct resources to STEMM education. I will continue to partner with them as well as other local STEM educators, and support STEMM legislation to emphasize its benefits to the public. B. We can ensure that STEM education resources reach across all communities in Massachusetts by emphasizing STEMM education in K-12, public education. When young people – namely young women and members of under-represented communities – are introduced to STEMM fields at a young age, they are much more likely to become involved in these fields once they grow older. I have also partnered with Worcester State College and the Hispanic community in Worcester to improve access, mentoring, classwork, exposure and skills development to STEM and other fields.

Stephen F. Lynch, Democrat, District 8:
A. STEMM education across all grade levels is absolutely critical to professional development and achievement. It will afford our young people the opportunity to develop the expertise and skills necessary to tackle our nation’s most formidable challenges – from global climate change, disparities in health care, and economic insecurity to privacy and data protection, immigration reform, and threats to our national security. As a strong supporter of STEMM programs, I will continue to advocate for Congress and the Administration to maximize the federal investment across STEMM fields – including robust funding for the National Science Foundation, the federal agency responsible for the bulk of the federal STEMM program portfolio and related student aid, and the NASA Office of STEM Engagement, the federal office that manages STEMM education programs for school children, college and university students, and the general public. To this end, I recently voted in favor of appropriations legislation providing $126 million in FY2021 funding for the NASA office and a $270 million increase for the National Science Foundation. Moreover, I have strongly opposed President Trump’s misguided efforts to cut funding for and even terminate these essential components to our federal STEMM effort. B. As underscored by recent data published by the National Science Foundation, there are still glaring racial disparities in STEMM education outcomes, majors, and careers. In 2016, underrepresented minority students received 22% of all science and engineering bachelor’s degrees and only 9% of all related doctorate degrees. We are also continuing to see a wide gender gap across STEMM educational levels and occupations – with recent studies indicating that less than one third of female students are pursuing higher education in STEMM fields and that only 30% of the world’s researchers are women. In order to begin to address these disparities, we must ensure that these and other underrepresented groups have access to STEMM educational activities and opportunities early on in their academic careers. In Congress, I am a proud sponsor of the ​21s​t​ Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act​ – legislation that empowers school districts to engage minority students and girls in STEMM by providing funding for advanced STEMM learning early in a student’s academic career. The bill also promotes enhanced professional development for teachers, increased outreach to parents, STEMM mentoring and tutoring programs, expanded access to afterschool and summer STEMM programs, and additional academic assistance in high school course selection. I am also proud that the ​INSPIRE Women Act​ was signed into law in 2017. This important bill requires NASA to encourage women and girls to pursue STEMM education and careers in aerospace.

Jonathan D. Lott, Independent, District 8:
A. Of course—my campaign is essentially about preventing the environmental collapse of civilization as we know it, which will involve an unprecedented amount of applied STEM: climate scientists, geoengineering, bioethics, infrastructure development, applied science, and more. B. The position I’m running for is a federal, and not statewide position, so my authority to influence the Massachusetts education system, if elected, would be not particularly significant. I don’t allocate individual school resources, award scholarships, or vote on school board proposals—but I will endorse (and did during the primary) a set of down-ballot candidates with more influence on this issue. Some issues have to be addressed more locally.

Bill Keating, Democrat, District 9:
STEMM is an important component of education in Massachusetts. This movement has highlighted key fields that drive innovation across our communities. I have and will continue to support legislative actions like the College Affordability Act, which includes grant programs, financial assistance to students, and support for diversifying representation in these fields.

James P. McGovern, Democrat, District 2:
A. To me, a data-driven approach means making decisions based on data analysis and interpretation. It means using quantifiable measures to assess policy choices and determine the best path forward. It means that it is evidence-driven, based on facts and science. B. I have direct relationships with many STEMM leaders in my congressional district, beginning with our many colleges and universities, as well as the scientific research and development companies and manufacturers. While I have not formally installed a STEMM advisory group in my office, I and my staff are in constant conversation and consultation with the abundance of professional expertise that resides and works in my congressional district.

On a related note, I believe it is crucial for Members of Congress to have non-partisan, objective analysis of scientific and technical issues in order to make sound decisions. This is why I am a cosponsor of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) Improvement and Enhancement Act (H.R. 4426), which would help Congress better understand the issues and policy challenges facing us today. The OTA was dismantled in the mid-90s after Republican legislators characterized it as wasteful, which has contributed to a lack – and often failure – in our understanding of current technology. We need the OTA, or something similar, to ensure that Congress gets accurate, timely analysis to help inform its decision-making process.

Stephen F. Lynch, Democrat, District 8:
A. As a lawmaker and a member of the House Oversight Committee – the principal oversight panel in the House of Representatives - I believe that the best policy solutions and oversight investigations undertaken on behalf of my constituents are driven by the actual facts on the ground – the data – and shaped by impartial data analysis and interpretation. In the area of STEMM education, I strongly believe that our efforts to expand STEMM programs for students across every community in the Commonwealth must be guided by a comprehensive data-driven approach that analyzes trends and gaps in STEMM learning, access, community engagement, and other critical areas. At the federal level, I believe that the data provided by the National Science Foundation, the Government Accountability Office, and other renowned sources has proven essential to identifying and prioritizing STEMM funding and program challenges. B. In Congress, I am a proud member of the Congressional STEM Education Caucus – a bipartisan advisory organization that seeks to inform and counsel all Members on existing STEMM education challenges, priorities, and solutions. My work in this area has also benefited greatly from the STEMM advisory committees and councils that are operating at the state and federal levels, including the Commonwealth’s STEM Advisory Council and the interagency STEM Education Advisory Panel – led by the National Science Foundation and established by the ​American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2017​. These and other STEMM advisory efforts are essential to our ability to track data, trends, and gaps and develop fact-based policy approaches to expand STEMM education, direct funding and grant resources, increase apprenticeship and research opportunities, and enhance the participation of underrepresented communities in STEM fields.

Jonathan D. Lott, Independent, District 8:
A. A data-driven approach means collecting relevant and accurate data on which decisions can be made. No fake statistics and no pseudo-science. It does not mean going wherever the science takes us—we still have to moderate policy with ethics and with the knowledge of what the voters themselves want. B. Of course—my platform (lott2020.com if you haven’t read it yet) is heavy on science. I will require several professional scientists to ensure I understand and vote in accordance with what is necessary to prevent environmental collapse.

Bill Keating, Democrat, District 9:
A data driven approach is an important component to furthering STEMM education and support. I would welcome the opportunity to hear from and work with STEMM advocates in our area to see how we can continue to improve access and encourage involvement in these fields of study.

James P. McGovern, Democrat, District 2:
A. Addressing the existential threat of the climate crisis is one of my top priorities. The science is unmistakably clear that the world must achieve net-zero emissions by no later than 2050 in order to avert the catastrophic consequences of warming above 1.5 Celsius, and the federal government must lead the way in a rapid and just transition to a clean economy. Achieving that goal means immediate, bold action, which can only happen if climate policy is made a top priority. B. I support ending all subsidies to fossil fuel companies and a “keep it in the ground” policy to prohibit all new fossil fuel leases on federal lands. To spur an energy transition, I support the establishment of strong, specific clean economy standards across energy, transportation, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. I also support significant federal investment in the deployment of existing renewable energy technologies like wind and solar, as well as investment in emerging technologies. Further, I support the inclusion of frontline and vulnerable communities, who disproportionately bear the burdens of the climate crisis, in the policymaking process. As our nation grapples with the challenges brought on by the pandemic, now is the time to prioritize a green stimulus, one that also remedies historic inequities. C. My district, which covers much of Central and Western Massachusetts, has about 1800 farms. Most of these farms are family-owned, multi-generational, and already incorporate regenerative techniques that bolster natural climate solutions. Our farmers are also already facing the consequences of a changing climate, between unpredictable weather, changing growing seasons, invasive species, and more. While we fight for decarbonized energy, transportation, and industry at the federal level, we also must keep in mind that fixing our broken food system – by prioritizing small farm needs, supporting regenerative techniques, building our local food economy, and fighting hunger – is a crucial component of addressing the climate crisis.

Stephen F. Lynch, Democrat, District 8:
A. I believe that climate change is a national and global priority that demands the development of innovative policies that are reflective of threats that this crisis presents to our environment, human health and safety, national security, economic security, global stability, and other areas. From our leading scientists and medical experts to defense and foreign policy officials, there is an absolute consensus that climate change poses a serious global threat that will continue to impact health conditions, exacerbate humanitarian crises, worsen international political instability, spark food shortages and labor shortfalls, cause price shocks and power outages, damage transportation and water infrastructure, and result in other devastating outcomes worldwide. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, I have introduced the ​Climate Change National Security Strategy Act​ – legislation that sets forth climate change as a national priority and requires all federal agencies to prioritize global climate change in their budgets and missions. B. In order to address climate change, we must adapt and implement policy approaches that are based on the development of renewable energy sources, climate resiliency, sustainable infrastructure and industries, and environmental equality. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I recently worked with my colleagues to develop and pass the Moving Forward Act​ in the House. This $1.5 trillion bill will rebuild America’s infrastructure - including roads, highways, bridges, schools, transit, housing, and broadband – with the funding and directives necessary to transition away from fossil fuels. This legislation will modernize our energy infrastructure by investing in the transformation of our traditional electric grid to one that is dedicated to renewable energy. It also encourages the widespread adoption of zero-emission cars, vans, and buses through robust tax credits for zero-emission vehicle purchases and manufacturing. I am proud that the bill includes my ​Green Buses for Every Community Act,​ which requires that 10% of the ​Moving Forward Act​’s $1.7 billion increase in grants for zero-emission buses are dedicated to low income communities.

I am also very supportive of the ongoing work undertaken by the House Select Commission on the Climate Crisis – a panel established to develop a comprehensive action plan to combat climate change. This action plan, which has already been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, the National Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club and other key environmental stakeholders, calls for the U.S. to reach net-zero emissions economywide within decades I am also an original cosponsor of the ​Green New Deal Resolution​ – legislation resolving that the federal government must achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure and industries, and promote environmental equality.

I also continue to strongly oppose decisions by the Trump Administration to undermine our efforts to combat climate change and transition towards renewable energy. I am an original cosponsor and voted for the ​Climate Action Now Act​ – legislation to restore America’s participation in the landmark Paris Climate Agreement and require the U.S. to meet our nationally-determined contribution under the accord to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions. C. Here in Massachusetts, I believe that we must continue to enhance our climate resilience and direct resources and implement policies that will afford our communities – especially those that are underrepresented or disadvantaged – the opportunity to transition to climate-friendly infrastructure and transportation systems.

I am proud that the House recently passed my ​Green Buses for Every Community Act​ as part of the Democratic green infrastructure package. This bill will direct much-needed resources to low-income communities, including the City of Brockton in my district, to allow them to purchase fleets of zero-emissions buses and combat the devastating health disparities stemming from air pollution.

As the only Massachusetts member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was also proud to work with my colleagues in developing and passing the recent ​Water Resources Development Act of 2020​. This bill includes several priority projects that will advance climate change resilience, clean water, and ecosystem protection in our state. For example, the bill includes a provision requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a stem-to-stern examination of the City of Boston to identify additional resilience and flood reduction mitigation initiatives that we could implement to combat climate change. This legislation also authorizes additional resilience, flood mitigation, and ecosystem projects in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the Commonwealth – from the Town of Hull and the communities surrounding the Muddy River to the Towns of Norwood and Walpole and the communities surrounding the Merrimack River Basin.

Jonathan D. Lott, Independent, District 8:
Yes! Climate change, manifested in all its forms, is the leading agent of collapse today. Desertification, ocean acidification, food security, new diseases, mass migration, war....all these issues are aggravated by climate change, and my platform (which is not limited to simply endorsing the Green New Deal and patting myself on the back) has a comprehensive strategy for dealing with climate change. We independents get three words to have written next to our name on the ballot; one of my 3 words is “environment” because I’m taking this fight seriously. B. I want the United States to lead the transition away from fossil fuels, expand solar credits, build more hydroelectric power plants, reduce wasteful consumerism, add a tax to flights, transition to a more vegetarian society, vigorously reforest depleted lands, secure America’s water resources for the next century, and hasten our sustainable energy future. C. Obviously the coastline is at the forefront of climate change. I support doing research on the feasibility of a Boston/Weymouth/Quincy sea wall, and allocating the resources necessary to safeguard the land, however it needs to be accomplished. I will also vote to continue the flood insurance subsidies up and down the coastline, to prevent tens of millions of coastal dwellers from being forced further inland. Inland regions have to be assessed on their individual circumstances—some may require aggressive reforestation, invasive species extermination, or irrigation...and other places might require little-to-no intervention at this time.

Bill Keating, Democrat, District 9:
Climate Change is an existential threat to the survival of the human race. Without immediate action to reduce our consumption of hydrocarbon based energy will place ourselves in great jeopardy of completely damaging the environment that it could be impossible to come back from. I have long been a champion of wind energy in the United states. I have worked hand in glove with Vineyard Wind as they have attempted to bring their fist of its kind project to construction. There is enough wind energy to power the eastern seaboard and we must invest in the smart grid technology that will allow renewables to power our society. We must look at every possible avenue to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. We must ensure that all members of our society have access to the renewable inexpensive energy that they need. In my community especially we must look to the dangers posed by sea level rise. The Massachusetts 9th district is one of the most vulnerable in the country to the effects of sea level rise and we must ensure that rural communities who are dependent on their maritime infrastructure have the resources that they need to combat the effects of this growing threat.

James P. McGovern, Democrat, District 2:
A. I believe that health care is a human right, not a privilege. Massachusetts currently has one of the highest insured rates in the country at around 97% -- but there is still a gap where many under-resourced and underrepresented communities are left behind. I believe that we should be doing more to increase racial health equity, decrease out of pocket and prescription costs, and we should be taking more preventative measures that will lower overall health care costs. Mental health should be a fully integrated into our preventive, monitoring and delivery system as well. Nutrition and food security should also be fully integrated, for individuals and families of all ages. We should have a health care system, not a sick-care system. B. Mental health is extremely important as a policy issue. It is an important component to an individual’s overall physical health and the two work interchangeably. I believe that we can prioritize mental health care as a policy issue by including it in any and all conversations about health care policy reform and improvement. C. I intend to address ethnic and racial public health disparities by focusing on components of healthcare outside of the traditional scope. I believe it is imperative that we begin focusing on the social determinants of health, which all work together to foster an individual’s mental and physical wellbeing. Where someone lives, their access to healthy and nutritious food, income, access to state and local resources, the environmental quality of their neighborhoods, and privilege are all components of public health; we must start treating them that way. I have led and co-led bills, including Medically Tailored Home Delivered Meals Act and the Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Act which begin to address health and wellness from this perspective. I will continue to sponsor legislation like this that prioritizes Black, Latinx, Indigenous and Immigrant Communities.

Stephen F. Lynch, Democrat, District 8:
A. The disparate and devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on underrepresented communities has demonstrated that we must take immediate steps to eliminate systemic disparities in our healthcare system. According to the City of Boston’s Health Inequities Task Force, African Americans and Latinx residents account for nearly 70% of known COVID-19 cases in Boston and the highest per capita reported infection rates remain in Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, and Mattapan. At Massachusetts General Hospital, 40% of COVID-19 patients speak Spanish as their native language. We must therefore redouble our efforts here at the state level to enhance public health in communities that have been historically marginalized from the healthcare system. We can begin by ensuring that our state healthcare system is collecting comprehensive community demographic data in order to facilitate the development of meaningful healthcare policy approaches and enhance outreach to marginalized communities regarding testing and treatment availability.

We must also work to preserve and expand access to affordable and quality health care. As a strong supporter of the House version of the ​Affordable Care Act​, I believe that we must combat continued efforts to undermine this landmark healthcare legislation which has expanded coverage for millions of Americans. That is why I have opposed more than 60 attempts by Republicans in the House to repeal or otherwise weaken the bill and why I am a leading cosponsor of a resolution condemning the Trump Administration’s repeated attacks on the law. I am also committed to building upon the noble achievements of the ​Affordable Care Act​ through the creation of a robust public option that will serve to compete against private insurers and bring down costs here in the Commonwealth and nationwide. Moreover, I proudly support the enactment of the ​Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act​ – comprehensive legislation to strengthen the ​Affordable Care Act​ by expanding eligibility for federal financial assistance to purchase health insurance, incentivizing states to expand Medicaid eligibility, and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

Here in Massachusetts, even though we have the top hospitals in the world, we still see a lack of primary care doctors and nurse practitioners in our rural and underserved areas. Promoting and encouraging STEMM education is a necessary step in encouraging students to help fill this necessary gap in our health care system. B. I believe that mental healthcare must be a healthcare policy priority. The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on anxiety, isolation, and other mental health symptoms has only further highlighted the importance of dedicating robust funding to this healthcare area and fully integrating mental health into our healthcare delivery systems. According to recent data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, younger adults, racial and ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers are reporting disproportionately deteriorating mental health outcomes, increased substance abuse, and elevated suicidal ideation. This has placed even greater stress on American mental health and addiction services that were already underfunded, understaffed, and largely fragmented from other healthcare sectors. Even prior to the pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service estimated mental health as the highest area of federal health spending at more than $200 billion per year.

Following my support of the landmark ​Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act,​ I have fought to ensure that behavior health is a funding and policy priority. I am proud to have support the ​21s​t​ Century Cures Act,​ legislation that established an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse and reauthorized the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The Act also provided millions in new funding for suicide prevention programs, mental health workforce training, crisis response operations, and efforts focused on mental health promotion, mental illness prevention, and the creation of a National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory focused on developing data-driven services. Most recently, I voted in favor of an ​appropriations bill​ that includes $2 billion in new funding for the National Institute of Mental Health and $2 billion in funding for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration mental health programs – including $758 million for community block grants, $225 million for Certified Community Behavior Health Clinics, and $125 million for children’s mental health services. As a proud cosponsor of the ​Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Act,​ I am also working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to preserve and expand funding for community mental health and addiction services and ensure that Certified Community Behavior Health Centers nationwide are able to continue to provide a range of mental health services to vulnerable individuals. C. The coronavirus pandemic has hit communities of color the hardest and exacerbated disparities stemming from systemic racism and longstanding structural inequities. After Carney Hospital in Dorchester was designated as a COVID-19 response hospital, I immediately visited the Hospital, met with the CEO and nurses, discussed site-specific challenges with the state’s Health and Human Services Secretary and supplied thousands of N95 masks and face-shields. In order to address the disparate impacts of COVID-19 on underserved and underrepresented communities, it is critical that we collect comprehensive community demographic data to identify the full extent of testing and health disparities. While efforts undertaken by the Administration in this area have been completely insufficient, I’m proud to support the ​HEROES Act​ relief bill passed by the House – legislation that requires the Federal Government to regularly report comprehensive community demographic data to Congress regarding coronavirus infections and health disparities.

Moreover, as we continue to witness advancements in the area of vaccine development, we must develop a national vaccine strategy that is based on robust outreach to at-risk communities that have been historically marginalized from the healthcare system. In particular, we need to enhance vaccine education and awareness in underrepresented communities, ensure diversity in clinical trials, and develop vaccine distribution plans in coordination with community advocacy organizations and the private sector that reflect the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on communities of color. I support the work of the independent National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in this area.

At the same time, we must take immediate steps in other areas to mitigate the disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities that are already enduring health disparities and environmental inequality. I strongly support the ​Moving Forward Act,​ because it dedicates $1.5 trillion towards modernizing our nation’s transportation systems and public infrastructure with a focus on environmental justice. It includes the text of my legislation, the ​Green Buses for Every Community Act,​ which requires that we provide at least 10% of the bill’s $1.7 billion in funding for zero-emission bus grants to low-income communities that were already experiencing devastating health disparities due to air pollution pre-pandemic.

Jonathan D. Lott, Independent, District 8:
A. I think the entire country’s healthcare system needs to move to a Medicare-for- All type system, and it has to be done on a national level. One of my 3 words is “Healthcare.” B. Mental health is part of overall health, so yes, I will prioritize mental healthcare. C. Medicare-for-All is a system that, if implemented, would address unbalanced health outcomes for all people, without discrimination to their age, race, gender, location, etc. It is an anti-racist healthcare policy.

Bill Keating, Democrat, District 9:
The healthcare system in Massachusetts served as a model for the Affordable Care Act. Though I was not in Congress when the ACA first past, I have maintained support in protecting the ACA from attempts to repeal or revise the legislation.

Mental health is certainly a priority when it comes to healthcare policy. In the Heroes Act, the House provided measures to ensure certain service members will be eligible for mental health are and services through VA’s Vet Centers. Further, I am proud to be a cosponsor of the following bills regarding mental health care:

1. Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019
2. Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act
3. Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2019
4. Veteran Suicide Prevention Act
5. Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2019

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the disparities many Americans face in health care, especially among non-White POCs. It is important to realize that racism- especially institutional racism-is a driving force behind the social determinants facing health care and the barrier to health equity in the United States. I intend to further continue to support legislation that addresses this ongoing gap in care long after the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 is over.

James P. McGovern, Democrat, District 2:
A. I am a strong supporter, advocate and leader in Congress on immigrant rights. The pandemic has shone a light on the invaluable contribution of immigrants in our health care systems and delivery. Massachusetts – with its many colleges, universities, research, biotechnology and innovative manufacturing sectors – has always welcomed and needed immigrants from all over the world. We need comprehensive reform to strengthen our immigration system and its protections for migrants and refugees. B. Yes. The pandemic and all public health matters do not care about borders, heritage, or immigration or citizenship status. We need to make sure that access to all health care systems, testing, care and preventive services are available to everyone in Massachusetts, regardless of status. Period. Currently, with Congress deadlocked on immigration issues, these remedies are most likely to continue to be addressed by state and local protections.

Stephen F. Lynch, Democrat, District 8:
A. Immigrant workers are an invaluable part of our STEMM workforce in Massachusetts and nationwide. According to a recent report by the Commonwealth Corporation, nearly one quarter of Massachusetts STEMM workers are foreign-born – with immigrant workers holding nearly 30% of computer and mathematics jobs, almost 40% of jobs in life, physical, and social sciences, and more than 20% of jobs in architecture and engineering. Moreover, nearly half of the more than 1 million foreign students enrolled in U.S. schools are pursuing STEMM studies. Between the 1988-1989 and 2016-2017 school years, the number of postsecondary STEMM degrees received by foreign students has increased by 315%. In appreciation that our immigrant workforce helps us to fill critical skills gaps in our STEMM workforce and adds to the excellence and diversity of STEMM employment sectors, I have been strongly supportive of efforts to ensure that these talented workers are able to continue to be innovators in their STEMM fields in Massachusetts and are not subject to unnecessary bureaucratic delays. I also continue to oppose misguided efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine the contributions of immigrant students and workers – including a recent rule that would have required international students to transfer or leave the country if their academic institutions held classes exclusively online during the pandemic. B. The coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted our immigrant communities throughout Massachusetts – with those cities and towns with our highest immigrant populations reporting the highest positivity rates in the Commonwealth. The health inequities facing both documented and undocumented immigrants during the current public health crisis reflects longstanding barriers in access to care. I believe that our response to the coronavirus pandemic should reflect a commitment to ensuring access to quality and affordable care for our every person and that includes our immigrant populations. To this end, I am a strong supporter and voted in favor of the HEROES Act,​ Democratic pandemic relief legislation that includes several provisions designed to address health and economic disparities in our immigrant communities. For example, the bill would afford undocumented immigrants without health care coverage eligibility for no-cost coronavirus testing, treatment, and vaccines.

I will also continue to fight for robust and dedicated funding for our community health centers – which provided qualify critical services to economically-distressed and underrepresented communities. Most recently, I supported a Labor-HHS​ ​appropriations bill​ that included nearly $6 billion in funding for community health centers for FY2021.

Jonathan D. Lott, Independent, District 8:
A. Immigrants do make up a huge part of our STEMM community—but this is because America has failed to motivate a sufficient enough number of American citizens into entering the STEMM fields. The goal should surely be to reduce dependence on foreign workers as much as possible, as a matter of national security (see 6a). B. My ideal healthcare plan, Medicare-for-All, would provide nearly free healthcare to all American citizens and legal immigrants.

Bill Keating, Democrat, District 9:
Immigrants are a vital and important part of the american experience and particularly a key component of Massachustts workforce. Our state is unique in the nation for its ability to attract the best and brightest minds from across the globe to change their lives and immigrate to the United States. We are blessed with the ideas and ingenuity that they bring to our commonwealth as they can only lead to our continued dominance of the STEM industries. more locally non-immigrant workers comprise a necessary part of the Cape and Islands seasonal workforce. I have been a leader in Congress on ensuring that the H-2B and J-1 visa systems have remained available to Business owners on the cape and Islands. The COVID-19 pandemic doesn't care if you are a U.S. citizen or an undocumented worker. Either can be infected and lose their life from this terrible disease. We must make sure that testing and treatment are available to everyone if we are going to be able to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic.

James P. McGovern, Democrat, District 2:
A. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but I believe technology such as facial recognition should not be used in governance. AI has been shown to show algorithmic bias, especially in the cases of racial and ethnic minorities, in the past. There needs to be a greater amount of research done on this technology before we allow it into our daily lives. Without clear parameters and proper data handling and security, there are serious and potentially dangerous implications for Americans’ privacy. B. Social media is a wonderful tool, but it can be used to spread dangerous information – by accident and by deliberate disinformation – that could threaten the lives of many Americans. It is important for the government, including Members of Congress, to help direct the public to reliable, official and authoritative information sites, portals and platforms and to use our own social media to provide straight, accurate and responsible information so the public is informed on how best to respond, take precautions and minimize the impact, exposure and spread of COVID-19.

Stephen F. Lynch, Democrat, District 8:
A. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security and Chairman of the Task Force on Financial Technology, I believe that we can promote remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence, biometric technology, financial technology, and other areas while also ensuring that these advancements do not undermine our individual privacy and civil liberties. That is why I have conducted several hearings to examine the privacy implications of developing technologies – including the misuse of artificial intelligence to create manipulative and deceptive videos and the failure of emerging financial applications to protect consumer data and personal financial information. I have also introduced the ​Deepfakes in Federal Elections Prohibition Act,​ legislation to prohibit the use of manipulative and deceptive videos in federal elections. The bill was included in a broader election security bill passed by the House last year.

As a member of the Committee on Oversight Reform – the primary investigative panel in the House – I have also served a leading role in our continuing investigation to examine the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement. During several hearings with state, local, and federal law enforcement officials, privacy advocates, and legal scholars, I have repeatedly underscored the importance of ensuring that facial recognition technology is not utilized to undermine our fundamental 4t​ h​ Amendment protections. I have also highlighted the need to closely examine the deployment and accuracy of facial recognition technologies before they are widely deployed in law enforcement settings. I have also noted that various efforts in Massachusetts have been undertaken at the local level to enact moratoria on the use of facial recognition technology or implement outright bans. B. The federal government must serve an essential role in working with private sector social media platforms and federal law enforcement entities to prevent the dissemination of misinformation on social media that threatens the health and safety of the American public. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, I have already been conducting oversight of private and public sector efforts to curb the spread of harmful information through Facebook, Twitter, Google, and other social media platforms. I recently held a hearing that included witnesses from these social media companies and examined the progress of private and public sector efforts to limit the dissemination of misinformation in the context of federal elections.

According to recent reports, the extent of public health misinformation on social media platforms has been just as far reaching – with so-called “superspreader” misinformation sites receiving almost four times as many views as health content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other legitimate health institutions. In order to protect the health and safety of our vulnerable Americans who may mistakenly rely on this misinformation, I believe that Congress must continue to conduct robust oversight in this area and will continue to urge social media company officials to ramp up their efforts to combat misinformation on their platforms.

Jonathan D. Lott, Independent, District 8:
A. We are trapped in a prisoner’s dilemma of artificial intelligence—we cannot afford not to develop it, considering that every other major country (and many private enterprises) are endeavoring to be the first to make a competent AI system. America cannot lose this race to China or Russia. As it relates to police, I generally favor deconstructing the surveillance state, which has grown too pervasive and malignant. B. I don’t know how to deprogram the psychos who think COVID-19 is a hoax, or that face masks don’t do anything, or that Dr. Fauci or Bill Gates is some nefarious supervillain. I have worked with some of these people and I’m not convinced they will listen to any logic on this point. No government can eradicate willful ignorance at such a scale. Cognitive dissonance is too powerful a force. I think Twitter and Facebook (less so YouTube) have done a decent job at labeling potential misinformation, but many viewers will never be dissuaded by a government label.

Bill Keating, Democrat, District 9:
Artificial intelligence presents our society with many new and important questions. The use of facial recognition technology is a prime example of how the government must take a larger role in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. I am troubled to learn that current versions of most facial recognition technology has a fundamentally biased error rate against people of color. As we adopt new technology we must take the time to ensure that they are being used in a manner consistent with the protections provided to all U.S. citizens through our constitution and it is Congress's job to ensure that the large corporations creating this technology use it in a responsible manner. The spread of misinformation through social media has proven to be especially dangerous during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Constitution affords all citizens the ability to speak freely, even if that speech is demonstrably false. During times where the spread of false information is prevalent it is the responsibility of the government to speak in a unified and unimpeachable manner to offset the irresponsible words of a select few. Any medium by which true scientific information can be disseminated should be utilized by the government to do so.

James P. McGovern, Democrat, District 2:
Yes. It is important that we begin at a young age, embrace STEMM as a life-long learning experience, and do not leave anyone behind in today’s society. The STEMM sector is going to continue growing, and we need to maximize the number of Americans that have access to quality STEMM education, training and employment opportunities and can take advantage of it. I am supportive of training programs that will help prepare U.S. workers for STEMM jobs.

Stephen F. Lynch, Democrat, District 8:
As a former apprentice and structural ironworker for nearly 20 years, a labor rights attorney, and now a Member of Congress, I am well aware that a career can take many different paths and forms. Given the diversity of STEMM disciplines, a successful STEMM career is not limited to a certain educational level. According to a study by Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings, STEMM occupations do not only draw from graduate schools but also from high schools, apprenticeships, and community colleges. In fact, over 50% of STEMM jobs are open to individuals without a four-year college degree – with STEMM “economies” relying on a diversity of experiences, proficiencies, and academic backgrounds. However, the Brookings report also identifies glaring disparities in STEMM development – including a lack of National Science Foundation funding directed towards community colleges. Moreover, a disproportionate share of federal funding is allocated to support “high-level” STEMM education while only a “small slice” is directed towards STEMM careers requiring an associate’s degree or less.

In support of the continued development of our STEMM workforce and in order to ensure that we are able to fill critical skills gaps, we must employ data-driven policy approaches and bolster academic and career development in all STEMM areas. The educational and occupational support that I received in the ironworker apprenticeship program enabled me to gain valuable training and career experience and afforded me the opportunity to pursue higher education. I will advocate for STEMM training and career development across all educational levels to ensure that regardless of their educational background, our young people have a pathway to a successful STEMM career.

Jonathan D. Lott, Independent, District 8:
Of course—but this needs to be done by individual employers. The culture around hiring needs a reset. The government cannot logistically train everyone, and many do not want government retraining. Many (not all) individual jobs, STEMM or otherwise, should loosen their requirements and train their own employees for a couple weeks, instead of mandating that they have X degree with X number of years experience, with X references and X professional development certificates. A lot of people aren’t quite prepared to jump into a new job—but they would be if their employer were willing to spend a few days teaching them how the equipment/software works. It’s not the fastest or smartest worker that gets ahead, but the one most willing to change with the times. Our future economic landscape will inevitably be more tech-heavy, and it is necessary to prepare for it.

Please visit my website www.lott2020.com for my full issue list, including my more detailed positions on healthcare and the environment.

Bill Keating, Democrat, District 9:
I believe it is important to devote funding and resources to promote training and educational programs that support and elevate the field of STEMM. In my bill, the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act, we recognize the potential for offshore wind energy production along the Eastern seaboard to create jobs and new economic opportunities for workers. Through union training and apprenticeship programs, many will have an opportunity for high-quality, middle-class jobs in the industry. I will continue to support similar and innovative legislation that promotes STEMM training.