In many policy areas, there is little daylight between Sen. Dan Feltes and Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky, two Democratic candidates for governor.
But the two aren’t aligned on everything. Here’s a comparison.
Feltes: Does not support a broad-based tax; has taken the “pledge” to veto any broad-based sales or income tax before him. Argues for closing loopholes in the business tax code that he says stop 50% of businesses from paying the tax and targeting out-of-state corporations. Closing those loopholes would significantly raise state revenue, Feltes argues.
Volinsky: Would support the introduction of a broad-based tax. Argues the state needs to restructure revenue sources away from local property taxes and toward a broad-based state tax that could be administered progressively.
Feltes: Supports a $15 minimum wage, reached through gradual increases year to year over the present $7.25. Originally voted in the Senate for a $12 minimum wage by 2022, also reached through gradual increases.
Volinsky: Supports an immediate $15 minimum wage, with no gradual climb. “We won’t get to $15 by advocating for half measures,” his website states.
Feltes: Would also press for school funding to be increased through boosted state adequacy funds.
Volinsky: Would support an increase to the adequacy grants for schools.
Feltes: Released a 19-page plan for re-opening schools that includes mandatory mask usage for students and teachers for middle school and older. Would also require personal protective equipment be provided to schools, schools be evaluated on their air filtration systems before being allowed to open, and testing be provided at least weekly to teachers.
Volinsky: Advocates for mandatory mask usage from second grade and up. He also favors outdoor instruction over indoor instruction and a plan for schools to re-close in October during colder months where windows can’t be open.
Feltes: Released a seven-page clean energy plan that would raise the cap on net metering to allow bigger solar, wind and hydro generators to compete; explore offshore wind generation; invest in state building efficiency, create a public-private “green bank” to help finance projects, and set a 2050 zero emissions target. Does not oppose ending the use of natural gas – fracked or otherwise – but argues for a gradual transition to clean power with natural gas as a bridge.
Volinsky: Supports a boost to net metering, a New England-wide “Green New Deal,” offshore wind, a commuter rail project. Stands against fracked gas and opposed the Granite Bridge pipeline project, which was dropped in late July.
Feltes: Would increase Medicaid provider rates to boost state support for clinics and health services. Has advocated for increased staffing at the Division for Children, Youth and Families. Has pushed for a statewide paid family and medical leave program that would be created by the state, run by a private vendor and include mandatory participation by employers. Supporter of Planned Parenthood.
Volinsky: Has advocated increased funding for the state’s federally qualified health centers, which provide low-income services. Argues on website for prescription drug cost relief. Has declared funding for Planned Parenthood a top priority.
Correction: This story has been updated t o clarify Andru Volinsky’s approaches to re-opening schools and energy policy.