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Dear Women's Caucus Members, Legislative Colleagues, and Partners,
We are thrilled to bring you this edition of our newsletter, which includes important updates about the end of the legislative session, and introduces our new Executive Director! As you may know, Nora will be leaving the Women's Caucus in mid-August. We are very sad to see her go, and we deeply appreciate all that Nora has accomplished over her 3 ½ years with the Caucus. We wish her the best of luck in her new role as Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at The Arc of Massachusetts. We are excited to share that Seble Alemu will serve as the next Executive Director of the Women’s Caucus! You can learn more about Seble below. In addition to that exciting news, we also hope that you will read below for updates on our legislative priorities, recent meetings, and more.
We encourage you to reach out to our Executive Director Seble Alemu to introduce yourself. As always, we look forward to collaborating with you!
Sincerely,
Senator Joan Lovely & Representative Hannah Kane
MCWL Co-Chairs
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Please join us in welcoming Seble Alemu as the new Executive Director of the MA Caucus of Women Legislators!
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Most recently, Seble served as the Researcher for the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion under the leadership of Representative Bud L. Williams. As an Ethiopian-born American woman of faith with over ten years of experience in the nonprofit and public service sectors, she brings a unique background and intersectional identity to this work. Seble has the requisite skills and experience in both the government and nonprofit sectors, working on communication, project management, research, event planning, member engagement, and more. She is independent, collaborative, and truly passionate about this work.
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Pictured above with Co-Chairs Sen. Lovely, Rep. Kane, and outgoing Executive Director Nora Bent, we are confident that Seble is the best candidate to lead the Women’s Caucus in this new chapter!
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Strategic Priorities Elevating Women’s Economic Opportunity/Eliminating Barriers Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities in Health Care Empowering Women in Government
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Legislative Priorities As the legislature wrapped up its formal sessions at the end of July, we are pleased to share the following updates about how our priorities fared. We look forward to continuing to work on our remaining priorities in upcoming informal sessions. Signed Into Law An Act relative to salary range transparency This bill passed the House of Representatives and the Senate in October. A Conference Committee comprised of Rep. Gregoire, Rep. Fluker Oakley, Rep. Kane, Sen. Jehlen, Sen. Feeney, and Sen. O’Connor released its compromise final version of the bill on July 31. It was then signed into law by the Governor. See our photos from the bill signing ceremony here!
Passed the House & Senate: An Act relative to postpartum depression screening As part of omnibus maternal health packages, this bill passed both the House and Senate! The different versions of the bills are currently being negotiated by a Conference Committee, and we look forward to supporting their work over the coming weeks.
Included as Part of FY25 Budget: An Act relative to a livable wage for human service workers Language related to this legislation, which will study and report on existing disparities in pay for human service workers, was included in the FY25 budget, which Gov. Healey signed in late July. This progress represents a great step towards closing pay gaps for our state’s critical human service workforce.
Passed the Senate/In House Ways & Means: An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products In Senate Ways & Means: An Act supporting parents running for public office
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We recently hosted a Women’s Health Symposium with MassBio that focused on the intersection of women's mid-life, career trajectories, and health equity. |
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As women navigate the complexities of mid-life, they often encounter unique health challenges while balancing their professional responsibilities. This event featured a panel, moderated by MCWL Board Member Rep. Fiola, which discussed how societal factors, workplace cultures, and access to healthcare contribute to health disparities among women, particularly those from marginalized communities. |
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Through thought-provoking dialogue, we discussed strategies for individuals and organizations to promote health equity and support women's well-being at every stage of their careers. |
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From August 12-15, “A Light Under the Dome” will be performed in the Senate Chamber. A production of the National Parks of Boston and Plays in Place, this is the first play in the Suffrage in Black and White series. Tickets are free, and performances are at 3pm and 6:30pm. Here is a description of this play: “At the Massachusetts State House, on February 21, 1838, exiled Southerner Angelina Grimké becomes the first American woman to address a legislative body. Her powerful speech about abolition also firmly asserts the full citizenship of American women. Four other women abolitionists–Maria Weston Chapman, Lydia Maria Child, Susan Paul, and Julia Williams–are all there to support and guide her through this pressure-packed moment, and they have their own moments of intense struggle to share. To be staged in the Massachusetts State Senate Chamber, under the dome where Angelina gave her original speech.” On Saturday, August 24 there will be a feminist music festival in downtown Boston! Check out the “We Make Noise” Festival, which will feature local musicians and DJs, art exhibits, and local vendors hosted by the Boston Women’s Market. This is hosted by Mass Now and the City of Boston.
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Please send relevant articles, upcoming events, social media you would like shared, accomplishments, or other updates that you think MCWL members and our partners would find helpful. All updates should be sent to Seble.Alemu@MALegislature.gov
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