”My social work lens is how I approach policymaking.”
Gouveia on how a strong social safety net can help small and rural towns in Massachusetts
By Bera Dunau
WORTHINGTON – Lieutenant governor candidate Rep. Tami Gouveia, D-Acton, who is approaching the job with the lens of a social worker, will be appearing at Sundays with the Candidates this Sunday.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Gouveia said.
The program, which is put on by the Town Democratic Committee, will take place over Zoom starting at 2 p.m. and is open to all western Massachusetts residents, regardless of community. Those interested in attending should email Worthingtondem@gmail.com with their name and town to receive the Zoom link.
A state representative and doctor of public health who represents the 14th Middlesex District, Gouveia is running for lieutenant governor on a platform that highlights her support for Medicare For All.
“I have been a supporter of a single-payer health care system since 1988,” Gouveia said.
She related how at that time a cousin of hers got into a bad car accident in Canada, and how because of that country’s single-payer health care system her aunt and uncle didn’t have to pay anything. Gouveia said that, had that accident occurred in the U.S., they would have been bankrupt.
Other issues of importance for Gouveia’s campaign are affordable housing, the mental health care crisis, childcare, and the climate crisis. And she said that her approach to policymaking is informed by her background as a social worker.