Michael Kushmerek

Michael Kushmerek earned a B.A. in history and political science from Fitchburg State University in 2008 and an M.A. in history from Fitchburg State University in 2013. Kushmerek's career experience includes working as the director of major gifts with Northeastern University, director of development with Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and director of annual giving with Fitchburg State University.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of Massachusetts who grew up in a poor family that needed food stamps to make ends meet. Despite those challenges, I worked my way through college and built a career in higher education, for myself. I have spent seven years as a city councilor, five years as the city council president, and a lifetime listening and learning. I believe that it is essential that every member of my district has the same opportunities I had to follow their dreams and find success.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and everyone in Massachusetts should be able to live with the comfort of knowing that the care they and their loved ones need is covered.Education is the key issue that affects every person who lives in Massachusetts. A quality education increases social mobility, and educated workers drive our economy. The need to reform, improve, and fund education has never been greater.Social Justice is an issue we have waited far too long to tackle, and I will make sure we bring everyone to the table to pass meaningful legislation to address historic inequalities and guarantee rights.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I come from a humble background, and I had to work hard to get where I am today: a college graduate, with a good job, and a home in a great community. It may sound like the American Dream, but "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" is more myth than reality these days. Along with a few lucky breaks, I had a lot of help along the way from friends and mentors. Everyone should have the same opportunities I had, but success or failure in life should not be determined by your upbringing or by chance. I am passionate about policy that drives opportunity, and thus, I focus on the following policy areas.

Healthcare- Americans should not have to choose between their family members' lives or their own financial future. Too many families are crushed under the weight of medical bills and forced to navigate their disabilities, addiction, and mental illness alone.

Education- Providing quality education is one of the best ways we can ensure our young people can compete and thrive in the workforce. Education fosters equality, opportunity, career prospects, and innovation.

Economy- Strengthening our economy requires shoring up the middle class. This is more crucial than ever, as small businesses face historic obstacles, entire industries are failing, and millions are out of work. To economically recover in a post-COVID "normal," we will need leadership and policies that can build

[the profile publisher] contacted Kushmerek in 2020 with questions regarding current events. The questions appear in bold and are followed by Kushmerek's responses.

Kushmerek answered the following questions as of September 1, 2020.

Who should decide when and how Massachusetts schools open for in-person instruction? What factors should be considered in making that decision?

The state should decide the earliest the possible date that schools could reopen for in-person learning. Municipalities should then have the autonomy of choosing when and what model the city or town employs, based on local and regional public health conditions, to return to classroom instruction.

Critical in the discussion of timing and format, is the issue of equity. In Massachusetts, we pride ourselves on educational excellence and innovation, but equity is equally important. We must ensure that every student in the Commonwealth receives a 21st century education.[6]