Priorities

Jobs and economic development

  • The Commonwealth has experienced an extraordinarily difficult economic crisis since Bowles was elected two years ago. With unemployment rates on the rise and families struggling more than ever it is important that Attleboro is represented by someone who is committed to economic development and job creation. Representative Bowles is that person
  • Support legislation that will help small business lead the way out of this recession, such as freezing unemployment insurance rates.
  • Support job training funding, to provide re-training of unemployed workers who need new skills to compete in this high-tech environment.
  • Support Casino and Racinos in MA to create new jobs here, and reduce the flow of our tax revenue to other states.

Constituent Assistance

  • Bill Bowles understands that during these unprecedented economic times the need to support the most vulnerable in our community is even greater.
  • Will continue to push legislation which will help to preserve affordable housing units throughout the Commonwealth. Check out House Bill 4298 here. Will continue to advocate for the move from a "shelter model" to a "housing first model" that puts a priority on stabilization of families and prevention of homelessness as well as rapid re-housing for families in shelters and motels.
  • Will work to increasing the services offered at our "Express Registry", that Rep. Bowles worked hard to locate in downtown Attleboro.

Tax Policy

  • Most citizens know that the cost of Education, Public Safety, Public Works, and other public services is not free, but we must have a tax policy that is fair and affordable - and one that will not be a detriment to helping us emerge from this recession. During a bad recession is not the time to ask for additional taxes from a workforce with an unemployment rate hovering near 10%. That is why Rep. Bill Bowles voted against the 2009 budget that included a sales tax increase, an alcohol tax increase and a tax on satellite TV. Our budget this year did not include new taxes. Despite the fact that we are having great difficulty supporting the important state and local programs, Bill Bowles does not believe that increasing taxes is the answer. We must carefully decide what we can afford and focus on growing our economy to generate the needed revenues.

Education

  • While next year's budget will be difficult, Bill Bowles will strive to, at a minimum, restore Ch. 70 Education funding to last years levels and to reverse the 4% local aid cut experienced this year. "A child only attends 6th grade once in his/her lifetime", said Bowles. "We cannot turn our backs on providing a quality public education, even during these tough times."
  • Special focus on support for our Community Colleges, such as Bristol Community College, that is a life-line to many students with limited financial resources.
  • Continue to advocate for legislation to identify criteria beyond just "passing the MCAS test", as a basis for High School graduation as long as it is educationally sound.

Health Care

  • Work to reform Health Care system to lower costs and provide better coverage to more people. Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a tremendous asset to our community, but solutions are needed to provide greater health care coverage, so that the hospital can maximize its potential. 

Public Safety

  • Will support funding for training, especially as it relates to fighting drugs/gang activity.
  • Will support "Community Policing" funding, which has proven its effectiveness.
  • Will work with the District Attorney to strengthen laws that keep violent offenders off the street for longer periods of time. 

Public Works

  • Will fight for state funding for roads (Chapter 90) and bridge projects identified as priorities by city officials.
  • The Transportation Reform bill calls for greater oversight of bridge projects. Will focus on making sure this oversight is translating to better quality, cost control, and on-time delivery.