State Senate hopeful Adam Hinds of Pittsfield has released what he calls his “platform on education.”
“Access to a high-quality public education afforded me every opportunity to go out into the world and be successful,” said the Democratic hopeful for the Berkshire-Franklin-Hampshire-Hampden District, which includes Ashfield, Conway, Shelburne, Buckland, Charlemont, Hawley, Heath, Rowe and Monroe. “Every child within the district should have the same opportunity. In the context of difficult school budget negotiations throughout the district, a starting point is addressing flawed formulas for state contributions to local municipalities for education.”
Hinds added, “A successful Pre-K-12 education is also central to workforce development and to retaining and attracting residents. As state senator, strengthening education — from free Pre-K through high school — will be central to my work.”
His platform calls for universal pre-kindergarten, regional efficiencies, full funding of regional school transportation, workforce training programs geared to the region’s employers and revising the Chapter 70 state aid formula in which “dollars follow the student.”
Hinds added, “There is evidence that a higher number of students have been exposed to trauma, bullying, and the omnipresent modern anxiety related to achieving academic excellence. Schools, however, are often ill-equipped to handle the social, emotional and behavioral issues of students. Schools need social workers to manage this critical need and to create partnerships with social service agencies to support students so they can thrive. I will advocate for comprehensive programs to give schools the tools necessary to address the complicated issues facing today’s students.”
Democratic state Senate candidate Andrea Harrington has been endorsed by Western Massachusetts Carpenters Union Local 108 and SEIU Local 888.
The Richmond woman, seeking the Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden seat to be vacated by Sen. Ben Downing, said, “I am honored to have been endorsed by the Western Massachusetts Carpenters Union and SEIU Local 888. As someone who grew up in a working family in the Berkshires, I was taught that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should have access to great education, good career pathways, and limitless opportunity. I am running for state Senate to be a bold, progressive voice for western Massachusetts, and I look forward to working with residents across the district on the issues that matter to us.”
The district includes Ashfield, Conway, Shelburne, Buckland, Charlemont, Hawley, Heath, Rowe and Monroe.