MALDEN — Health care costs topped the list of constituents’ concerns in a survey conducted by Malden state Senator Jason Lewis (D-5th District).
“This is not a surprise, since high health care costs are a significant burden on families, seniors, businesses, and our state and local governments,” Lewis said, in a statement. “As the Senate chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, I will continue to pursue strategies that will improve our healthcare system and lower costs.”
Expanding telehealth services and more vigilance, and a concerted effort to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21 to lower smoking and vaping among young people are two other legislative goals this session, he said.
Lewis said he could see why health care costs, a major part of nearly every family’s financial stake, was a major concern and priority.
The epidemic of opioid addiction, which is local, statewide and nationwide, is another top priority expressed by constituents. Lewis has been a strong supporter of the local Malden Overcoming Addiction (MOA) advocacy group, which has trained recovery coaches and provided other means of support to those with the disease of addiction. He is also working to try and generate funding for a recovery center site in Malden to serve many cities and towns in the North Shore and greater Boston.
Lewis said the survey was undertaken to determine which legislative priorities his office and staff should pursue in the 2018 session. He said the respondents included “a good mix of constituents of different ages, different political affiliations, and from different communities across our district.”
Other concerns expressed by Malden residents and other constituents include, improving mental health treatment; addressing opioid addiction; strengthening civil rights protections; protecting the environment and addressing climate change. Improving state government transparency and accountability; increasing support for public schools; improving MBTA service, including the commuter rail; and combatting income inequality, were all on the long list.
Lewis said he will continue to fight legislatively for his constituents to address their other concerns, including defending civil rights. “I’m proud that Massachusetts is a national leader when it comes to civil rights,” he said. “In recent years, the legislature has passed important bills to ensure pay equity for women, protect pregnant workers, and prevent discrimination against transgender people.”
Lewis also said he would continue to stand up for immigrants in his district, including Malden, which is the most diverse city in his district and one of the most diverse in Massachusetts. “I will also continue to advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees in our communities, and stand up to the misguided policies being pursued by the Trump administration.”
