Dear Caucus Members, Legislative Colleagues, and Partners,

Women are not isolated entities; we are intricately woven into the fabric of society, and our wellness is crucial to our communities' overall health and progress.

The issues we focus on through the Caucus—economic advancement, health equity, and empowering women in government —are not just wins for women but game-changers for society as a whole.

In October, we raised awareness about Breast Cancer. In this newsletter, we have included a recap of our successful hybrid Breast Cancer Equity event. Our advocacy efforts centered on survivors, service organizations, and the vital resources needed to ensure individuals receive the support necessary to overcome these challenges.

We are committed to ensuring our advocacy extends beyond the State House—into our districts and across our social media platforms. We encourage you to support our efforts and amplify the causes by engaging with us on Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter.

Please connect with our Executive Director, Seble Alemu, to share your ideas and collaborate further.

Sincerely,
Senator Joan Lovely & Representative Hannah Kane
MCWL Co-Chairs

Strategic Priorities

• Elevating Women’s Economic Opportunity & Eliminating Barriers

• Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities in Health Care 

• Empowering Women in Government

Legislative Priorities

In the 193rd legislative session, three of our five legislative priority bills and five of our twenty endorsed bills have been enshrined into law.

An Act relative to salary range transparency is signed into law.

An Act relative to postpartum depression screening is signed into law.

An Act relative to a livable wage for human service workers is enacted in the FY25 Budget.

An Act supporting parents running for public office is in the Economic Development Conference Committee awaiting deliberations.

An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products is before the House Committee on Ways & Means.

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators partnered with the Ellie Fund and Boston Breast Cancer Equity Coalition to host a powerful panel event on Breast Cancer Equity in the Commonwealth. Demonstrating solidarity, legislators, survivors, and staff wore pink, shared heartfelt stories, and gathered for a group photo to amplify their message. The event raised awareness about the disease's profound impact, sparked vital discussions on expanding resources and solutions, and featured the inspiring "Face of Faith" digital exhibit showcasing survivors' stories. Watch the event here.

Since 1989, breast cancer mortality rates have fallen by 44 percent, yet overall cases are rising, particularly among women under 50. While women today face better survival odds, stark disparities persist, especially for Asian American, Native American, African American, and Pacific Islander women. Bridging these gaps requires systematic action to ensure access to quality screening, inclusive clinical trials, culturally tailored support, and equitable treatment.

Events Coming Up

• The 9th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk is on Sunday, October 20, at 1:00 p.m., at Veterans Park in Ware, MA.

• The 15th Anniversary of Asian American Women’s Political Initiative is on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 5:30 pm at Empire Garden. RSVP to attend the celebration.

• The Birdhouse Trailblazers will host a panel series on Thursday, October 24, at 6:00 p.m. This event will feature women politicians sharing their experiences in politics and leadership. Tickets are available here.

• The 2024 Harvesting Hope Gala, hosted by DOVE, will be held on October 25 at 6:00 PM at the Marriott Boston Quincy. It will celebrate groundbreaking achievements in shelter housing, survivor economic empowerment programs, and youth awareness and advocacy advancements. Don't miss this inspiring evening—register for tickets here.

• Join the Cape Cod and Island Commission on Status of Women for Women Leadership Conference on Saturday, October 26, at 10 am. To reserve your spot here.

• Love Life Now Foundation: Empowerment Fashion Show for Domestic Violence awareness on Friday, October 25, at 7:00 pm at Hilton Dedham Hotel. Free tickets here.

• The Annual Meeting of Worcester Women’s History Project at Worcester Historical Museum kicks off the 175th National Woman's Rights Convention Celebration on October 30 at 6 pm at Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm Street, Worcester, MA.

• The National Foundation for Women Legislators is hosting its 2024 Annual Conference from November 11-November 13 in Atlanta, Georgia. See more details and registration here. 

• Join the Massachusetts Women’s History Center for a day trip to NYC on November 17 to see SUFFs, the musical. For information on trips and tickets, visit this page.

• The Dignity Alliance Massachusetts honored Senator Joan Lovely with the Legislator Champion of Dignity and Care Award. Representatives Ruth Balser, Denise Garlick, and Kay Khan were recognized with the Legislative Career Champions of Dignity and Care Award for their dedicated service. Additionally, the Alliance celebrated Senator Patricia Jehlen’s leadership in passing Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024.

• Representative Sarah Peake joined Governor Healey’s administration as Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs, a newly created role in the Executive Branch.

• Senator Sue Moran, Representatives Ruth Balser, Denise Garlick, and Kay Khan received the Mass Now Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Representative Jessica Giannino received the Legislator of the Year award from the Massachusetts Coalition of Police.

• Senator Cynthia Creem, Representatives Kay Khan, and Ruth Balser received the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health's Partner in Progress Award for their remarkable work on mental health within the Legislature.

• Representative Christine Barber received the Metropolitan Area Planning Council Legislator of the Year Award.

• October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we shared relevant legislation and specialized resources in Massachusetts. Domestic abuse is pervasive across cultures, and over 30% of all Massachusetts residents have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.

• We recognize that Latina women deserve equal pay and advocated for eliminating economic barriers- the current wage gap added to the loss of about $1.2 million over their careers.

• We're pleased to see the conversation about menopause gaining traction; this research reports a connection between menopause and breast cancer.

• The growing number of women in government and leadership in Massachusetts has a significant and lasting positive impact on the Commonwealth's fabric.

• Our Breast Cancer Equity Panel event was featured on Spectrum News, State House News, and 22 News.

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