Improving education has been a top priority for Representative Allen in her first term and she will continue to make it a top priority upon re-election. High quality education from elementary schools to higher education institutions produces proven positive outcomes for our children, our communities, and our economy. It is not only an investment in a better future for our children, but for everyone, that is why she voted to increase funding for METCO, and Chapter 70. (Public Education)

As a member of the Committee on Elderly Affairs, Representative Allen considers all matters concerning the elderly and related services provided to the elderly. She works to meet all the needs of the elderly community and believes in reform to the human services system in our state that is at risk due to inadequate state funding. Additionally, lowering costs and improving quality of health care is her main goal; so, she agrees with taking action against excessive pharmaceutical marketing by promoting outreach and supporting restrictions on industry gifs to prescribers. She works in conjunction with the Council of Aging, Ethos, Central Boston Elder Services and other agencies to improve the quality of life for all seniors.

Representative Allen strongly believes in her duty as State Representative to keep discrimination out of the Constitution.  She has supported a wide range of legislation, initiatives, and programs in order to promote equality.  Representative Allen voted to repeal the “1913” Law, a discriminatory piece of legislation that was unfair to same-sex couples.  Representative Allen believes in protecting the rights of all citizens and making Massachusetts friendly and welcoming to all people.

The current foreclosure crisis is a great concern for Representative Allen because of the destabilizing effect it has on our community. Residents of our community deserve protection against the dangerous consequences of foreclosure and displacement. Foreclosure leads to the decline in property value as well as criminal activity in the vacant homes. Legislation is an important and necessary step to rectify foreclosure and predatory lending. Representative Allen co-sponsored legislation to declare a moratorium on foreclosure, an important and necessary step to rectify foreclosure and predatory lending. Her efforts for increased funding towards the Olmsted Green Housing Development project and the Franklin Field Housing Developments are examples of her efforts.

Representative Allen believes access to employment and suitable housing are essential elements for the redevelopment of an ex-offender as a valuable member society. Greater opportunity benefits both the individual and the community because proper assistance decreases the chance of recidivism and increases public safety. Our justice system is created to punish those guilty of a crime and should not translate to a life sentence of discrimination and unfair punishment. Representative Allen is currently working on CORI reform and sponsored a community forum on CORI Reform and Re-entry Programs to help our communities return to the work force.

Providing an outlet for young people to use their talents in development programs empowers the youth to make positive changes and encourages healthy growth.  Representative Allen strongly supports youth development programs like the Exodus Outreach Program and acts to prevent youth and gang violence.  With the right tools, our young people can produce extraordinary results for the betterment of the entire community. Representative Allen sponsored funding for the Blue Hill Boys and Girls Club, Exodus Outreach Recovery Program, Prince Hall Youth Mentoring Program and increased funding for the Shannon Grant to prevent youth and gang violence.

Representative Allen knows that global warming is a serious issue that continues to grow as a threat to our community and our world. Moving towards energy efficiency and investing in renewable energy is the key to lowering global warming pollution. It is necessary to do what we can now to reduce the threat of global warming for us and for future generations.

As people have the right to clean water and air, protection from harmful toxic substances is also vital and necessary. The current regulatory system has failed to protect vulnerable communities, including our own community. Representative Allen believes legislation must be implemented in order to eliminate the use of toxic substance that has such negative effects as diseases and disorders.

Representative Allen voted for the funding for Citizenship for New Americans, which was funded at $650,000 for FY09, an increase of $150,000 over last year’s budget. A strong supporter of the immigrant communities throughout the Commonwealth, she works alongside Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) to ensure the health and welfare of all immigrants.

Representative Allen works diligently with those agencies that provide services for veterans. Among them the Veterans Benefit Clearinghouse that help to provide employment services, assistance in applying for and obtaining veteran benefits, substance abuse treatment and counseling services, medical and mental health services including personal and family crises, and deal with other stress issues the veterans face. She also obtained earmarked funding for Regiment 54 Colored Women Veterans.