Issues 
As just the second woman to be elected mayor of the City of Lowell, Eileen never shied away from a challenge during her time as a dedicated public leader. Eileen spent much of her time on the Lowell City Council and as Mayor working directly with residents and making decisions based on what was in the best interests of the community. She approaches state government in the same manner, knowing firsthand how decisions made at the state level impact local communities.
Health Care
Eileen believes that health care is a right, not a privilege. Massachusetts took a major step forward in 2006 when it passed the first-in-the-nation plan to offer all residents health insurance. That plan has proven to be a model for the nation, but it has also proven to be expensive. State leaders are now advancing proposals to limit rising insurance costs to help ease the burden on municipalities and small businesses dealing with double-digit increases. If elected to the Senate, Eileen would work with her colleagues to advance legislation aimed at reducing health care costs, including standardizing health care administration processes and reducing paperwork and administrative costs.
Education
As the chair of the Lowell School Committee for four years, Eileen made decisions on a daily basis that impacted students, families and teachers on a personal and professional basis. She believes that a good public education provides the best foundation to a successful future, and state government should provide the tools for every student to reach his or her potential. Eileen has been a longtime supporter of programs to broaden access to early education, including free, all-day Kindergarten and after-school programs. Eileen also believes that the state must do all it can to shelter Chapter 70 from budget cuts. Particularly during an economic downturn, the state must exercise fiscal discipline, but budgeting comes down to priorities. Education, for Eileen, is a priority.
Green Economy
The green economy is poised to add a significant boost to the Massachusetts economy, whether it is through the production of clean energy, or the installation of energy saving devices, or the research and development of new technologies. Eileen believes that there must be long-term opportunities for both public and private investments in each sector of this economy. Through these investments we will see an increase in jobs from many angles: constructing wind turbines, researching and developing solar panels are just a few. By making investments today in this emerging economy we will see benefits for years to come.
Jobs and the Economy
All throughout Massachusetts we have an aging infrastructure. Many of our bridges are in need of repair, our dams are older, and our roads need consistent maintenance. These are projects that we cannot and should not neglect. Investing in our infrastructure means we are creating local jobs and increasing the economic value and growth potential for our region and we must keep our commitments to these projects. Our economy also largely consists of small employers whose business model changes with every policy decision made at the local and state levels. We cannot ignore their needs or their opinions, and right now the cost of health care is at the top of their concerns. We must work together to bring relief to small businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy. Eileen also believes that our colleges and universities play an integral role in our economy, and we should do everything possible to ensure college graduates have a clearer path to employment. Particularly in a time of high unemployment, Eileen believes the state should focus on workforce development programs to help retrain workers who have lost their jobs but are willing to learn a new skill or trade that could lead to employment.
