Taxes

. Supports CLT petition as a tool to force the state legislature to cut spending, although he has promised the tax rollback will not affect aid to cities and towns. Has proposed a comprehensive proposal to cut over $1 billion in funds by restructuring the state health care system, aggressively pursuing defaulters on state loans and cutting most of the 10,000 state jobs added under Dukakis.

Education

. Has backed a voucher program for parents who wish to send their children to private schools. Advocates a longer school year and increasing standardized tests. Proposes a system of rewards for teachers whose students perform well on these tests.

Environment

. Supported Massachusetts Recycling Initiative, which would require all packaging in state to be recycled or recycleable by 1996. Supports Watershed Protection Bill, designed to protect Wachusett, Quabbin and Ware watersheds. As a U.S. attorney, established an environmental enforcement team and initiated lawsuits to force cleanup of Boston and New Bedford Harbors. Pledges no further wetlands loss.

Crime

. Supports the death penalty. Proposes stiffer penalties for violent and white collar criminals, saying inmates should be "reintroduced to the joys of busting rocks." Opposes a ban on assault weapons. Supports Regimented Inmate Discipline Program or "boot camp" bill for young offenders.

Civil Rights

. Originally opposed passage of gay rights bill outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation, but now says he will oppose any attempt to weaken or repeal it. Supports Equal Rights Amendment.

Women

. Supports the right to an abortion without any consent from husbands. Supports Medicaid funding for abortions. Does not support creation of new after-school programs, saying funds are not available. Supports child care linkage bill, which would require developers of large office buildings to create child care facilities on or near the site. Supported federal Family Leave Bill, which Bush vetoed.

Health Care

. Supports home health care as opposed to nursing home care in many cases. Also supports an increased reliance on hospice and home care for elderly and chronically ill. Convert Medicaid into something along the lines of a managed care program. Opposed to Universal Health Care Law passed by legislature in 1988 as too burdensome on businesses.