Following his recent reelection against challenger Laura Saylor, state Sen. Paul Feeney is focused on key issues for the Bristol and Norfolk districts: affordable education, accessible housing, and economic stability for the middle class.
In his next term, Feeney said he plans to advocate for free community college, tackle rising housing costs, and expand support for working families, particularly in child care and early education.
Reflecting on his campaign experience this year, Feeney acknowledged the challenges, saying, “It was definitely a different type of year,” that his team stayed consistent with their messaging, engaging directly with constituents by addressing the “dinner table” issues people care about most.
A major goal for Feeney’s upcoming term is to make community college affordable, including the possibility of free tuition for Massachusetts residents. Building on this, Feeney has petitioned for several bills aimed at easing the financial strain on families. One such bill, S. 638, would limit out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for Massachusetts residents.
“Access to affordable healthcare is crucial for the stability of our middle-class families,” Feeney explained, adding that financial protections in healthcare are essential to prevent unexpected medical costs from derailing a family’s finances.
Feeney mentioned strengthening the middle class also comes from lowering costs such as child care and early education. He added that it’s vital for those in child care and early education to receive fair compensation, supporting the idea that they should be able to “build a career around that field.”
On affordable housing, Feeney expressed dedication to addressing the state’s housing crisis in his upcoming term. Among his legislative efforts is Bill S. 874, which seeks to establish the Missing-Middle Starter Home Development and Home Ownership Program. This initiative is intended to create affordable housing options, including “smaller homes on smaller lots,” and increase access to homeownership.
Feeney emphasized that this approach could allow more people to “get roots and build wealth” by making the dream of homeownership achievable for more residents. In support of these efforts, Bill S. 131 aims to encourage smart growth and starter home zoning districts, a measure Feeney believes could open doors for first-time homeowners.
Alongside affordable housing, Feeney has made financial literacy a focal point. He plans to introduce legislation to expand financial education programs, empowering people to make sound decisions for their financial security.
“I want to allow people to get roots and build wealth,” he said, underscoring his broader vision of fostering an economically inclusive society.
Feeney credited his success to the voters, staff, and poll workers, calling them “essential to a functioning democracy…Voters keep me accountable,” he stated, adding that democracy should work by giving people direct access to their elected officials.
With a track record of community-centered policies and a vision rooted in economic fairness, Feeney is set to focus his efforts on creating a more equitable Massachusetts in the years to come.
