Nicole D. Coakley
DemocraticQ2 What specific forms of AI regulation do you support, and where would you draw the line between necessary oversight and overregulation that could slow innovation?
I believe that Artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities, but innovation must be accompanied by accountability. I support a risk-based approach to AI governance that focuses oversight where potential harm is greatest. Systems used in healthcare, housing, employment, education, criminal justice, and financial services should meet standards for transparency, privacy, cybersecurity, and independent evaluation to reduce bias and protect civil rights. Massachusetts should encourage responsible AI development while supporting our world-class research institutions and technology companies. Regulations should be flexible enough to evolve alongside technology rather than creating unnecessary barriers for startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs. I also support strong protections for personal data, disclosure when AI is making or significantly influencing important decisions, and safeguards against the misuse of AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes, particularly in elections and fraud.
Q3 What policies, if any, do you support or envision to manage land-based resources in your state (water, open-space preserves, parks, etc.)?
Massachusetts should continue investing in clean drinking water infrastructure, watershed protection, flood mitigation, and the restoration of rivers, wetlands, and forests. These natural systems help reduce flooding, improve water quality, support biodiversity, and strengthen our resilience to climate change. I’m a supporter of preserving parks, farms, and open spaces while ensuring equitable access to safe recreational areas. Communities like Springfield deserve the same access to quality green spaces as every other part of the Commonwealth because parks improve physical health, mental well-being, and community connections. Environmental justice must remain a priority. Historically underserved communities often bear a disproportionate burden of pollution and environmental hazards. Decisions about land use should be informed by scientific data, public health evidence, and meaningful community engagement. Expanding urban tree canopies, promoting climate-resilient infrastructure, encouraging sustainable agriculture, and investing in renewable energy projects that protect sensitive ecosystems should all be priorities when it comes to land-based resources.
Q4 What policies do you support to secure affordable and ready access to healthcare services for your constituents?
As a mental health clinician, I have seen firsthand how delays in care, provider shortages, and financial barriers negatively affect individuals and families. I support expanding access to primary care, behavioral health services, reproductive healthcare, maternal healthcare, preventive care, and substance use treatment. This includes strengthening community health centers, increasing the healthcare workforce, and expanding telehealth where appropriate to improve access, particularly in underserved communities. I also support policies that reduce prescription drug costs, improve insurance affordability, and eliminate unnecessary barriers to evidence-based care. Mental health should be treated with the same urgency as physical health, with continued investment in crisis response, early intervention, and integrated care models.
Q5 Do you have any policies or programs in mind to reduce the financial burden for students wanting to attend college?
As someone who is currently pursuing my doctorate, I understand both the value of education and the financial barriers many students face. I strongly believe Massachusetts should strengthen partnerships among schools, employers, labor unions, and research institutions to create clear pathways into high demand careers in healthcare, education, clean energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. I support expanding need-based financial aid, increasing funding for MassGrant and community colleges, strengthening work-study opportunities, and investing in apprenticeship and workforce training programs that allow students to earn while they learn. I also support expanding paid internships so students can gain meaningful experience without sacrificing income. We must continue investing in public colleges and universities to reduce tuition pressures while ensuring students have access to affordable housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health services. These supports are especially important for first-generation students, student parents, and adult learners.
Q6 How will you support fellowships and training grants that promote the development of graduate students and other early career scientists in your community?
Massachusetts is a global leader in research and innovation, and we must continue investing in the people who make those discoveries possible. I support increasing state investment in competitive fellowships, research training grants, and partnerships among universities, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and industry. Graduate students and early-career researchers deserve opportunities that allow them to develop professionally without facing unnecessary financial hardship. I’m also in support of expanding paid research positions, interdisciplinary collaborations, and mentorship programs that connect emerging scientists with experienced researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and public servants.
As someone who is completing a doctoral degree, I understand the importance of research opportunities, faculty support, and stable funding. I also recognize that many graduate students balance research with employment and family responsibilities. I support policies that promote fair compensation, access to health benefits, family leave, and professional development opportunities for graduate researchers. Massachusetts should continue building a diverse STEM workforce by investing in students from historically underrepresented communities and creating pathways that keep talented researchers in our state.