April 23, 2026

The Honorable Aaron Michlewitz, Chair  House Committee on Ways and Means  State House, Room 243  Boston, MA 02133  

Dear Dear Chair Michlewitz:   

On behalf of all Women Legislators, we thank you for your leadership and thoughtful stewardship of the Fiscal Year 2027 House budget. 

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is a bipartisan, bicameral body within the State Legislature that, for over 50 years, has advanced policies that improve the lives of women, girls, and families across the Commonwealth. Our work centers on strengthening economic mobility, expanding access to health and well-being, and ensuring women’s full participation in civic leadership. This legislative session, the Caucus includes 48 members of the House and is co-chaired by Representative Barber and Senator Kennedy. 

We are grateful for the opportunity to present the Caucus’s priority budget amendments for your consideration. Each recommendation is grounded in our strategic priorities, advances our legislative agenda, and carries bipartisan support with clear statewide impact. In addition, the amendments reflect the interconnected realities shaping women’s lives and drive a coordinated, data-informed approach to policy and investment.  

We respectfully urge your favorable consideration and inclusion of these amendments.  

#147 – Girls Inc. Eureka! & SMART Programs  Filed by Representative Sousa

This $200,000 investment in Girls Inc. chapters across Massachusetts provides girls in under-resourced communities and girls of color with mentorship and evidence-based programming that builds clear pathways into higher education, STEM careers, and leadership. Through initiatives like Eureka! and SMART, Girls Inc. equips participants with the skills to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. This investment strengthens the Commonwealth’s STEM and workforce pipeline and advances long-term economic mobility while directly supporting the priorities of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women to expand economic opportunity, address inequities, and cultivate the next generation of women leaders. 

#1452 — Reducing Incidence and Death from Pancreatic Cancer. Filed by Representatives Kane and Gentile

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just 12% and over 70% of patients dying within the first year of diagnosis. In Massachusetts alone, it is the  second-leading cause of cancer death, claiming more than 1,000 lives annually, including two beloved House colleagues, Rep. Ferrante and Rep. Doherty. This amendment establishes a comprehensive statewide strategy to prevent, detect, and treat pancreatic cancer through research coordination, data collection, public awareness, and improved access to screening. It advances the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators’ priority of addressing racial and gender disparities in health care by strengthening early detection and equitable access to care. Its inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is both a necessary public health investment and a meaningful tribute to the lives and leadership lost too soon.  

#360 – Endometriosis Task Force   Filed by Representative Sabadosa

Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women, yet it takes an average of 7–10 years to diagnose—delays driven by systemic gaps in provider training, limited research investment, and the persistent dismissal of women’s pain, particularly among women of color. These disparities result in prolonged suffering, higher rates of infertility, and significant economic loss due to medical costs, missed work, and reduced productivity. Establishing a multidisciplinary task force at no added cost to the Commonwealth will create the first coordinated, statewide effort to assess prevalence, close treatment gaps, and elevate patient-informed solutions. This initiative will decisively strengthen early detection, expand equitable access to care, and elevate public awareness statewide. Inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is an essential step toward correcting longstanding inequities and ensuring women across the Commonwealth receive timely, effective, and dignified care.  

#39 – Lawfully Owed DNA (Policy). Filed by Representatives Higgins and Jones

Violence against women is rising, while sexual assault conviction rates remain unacceptably low, around 4 percent in major U.S. cities, exposing critical gaps in accountability. DNA evidence is one of the most powerful tools for justice, yet an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 lawfully owed DNA samples remain uncollected or unentered into CODIS. This amendment directs the State Crime Laboratory to establish a comprehensive census, implement a collection plan, and conduct annual audits to eliminate these backlogs. Closing this gap will strengthen public safety and advance survivor-centered justice by increasing the resolution of sexual assault and violent crime cases, particularly those affecting women of color. It is a necessary step to protect survivors, uphold accountability, and prevent further harm.  

#551 – Increase Access to Menstrual Products. Filed by Representatives Barber and Livingstone

Lack of access to menstrual products creates a preventable barrier to education, work, and basic daily participation, forcing many individuals to miss school, avoid public spaces, or forgo essential needs due to cost. This amendment ensures free access to menstrual products in all schools, prisons, and homeless shelters, recognizing them as basic health necessities. By removing this barrier, the proposal supports health, dignity, and full participation in public life. It directly advances the priorities of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators by addressing racial  and gender disparities in health care and reducing inequities that disproportionately affect low-income and communities of color. 

We respectfully urge their inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget as targeted investments and policies that advance equity, expand access to essential services, and strengthen outcomes for women and families across Massachusetts. 

The selection of these priority amendments was developed through a collaborative, member-driven process, led by State Budget Task Force Chair Representative Ciccolo and engaging House Caucus members, with guidance from Representatives Kane and Barber. They reflect bipartisan consensus and deliver clear statewide impact.  

Thank you for your work on all matters before the legislature, and especially on this budget. We look forward to continuing to actively collaborate with you to support women and girls across the state. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or require additional information.  

Sincerely,  

Rep. Michelle Ciccolo  , MCWL State Budget Task Force, House Chair 

Rep. Christine Barber, MCWL House Chair  Representative Hannah Kane,  House Vice Chair, MA Caucus of Women Legislators 

CC:  Speaker Ronald Mariano,  Senator Robyn Kennedy, MCWL Senate Chair  Senator Joanne Comerford, MCWL State Budget Task Force Senate Chair   

June 13, 2025 

The Honorable Marjorie C. Decker, House Chair
Joint Committee on Public Health
State House, Room 130
Boston, MA 02133  

The Honorable William J. Driscoll, Senate Chair
Joint Committee on Public Health
State House, Room 111
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Honorable Chairs:  

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators submits this letter to express our strong support for H.2483/S.1549, An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products, filed by Representative Livingstone, Representative Barber, and Senator Jehlen. 

As a bipartisan, bicameral body comprising 61 members—more than 31% of the Massachusetts Legislature—the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is guided by three overarching strategic priorities: three overarching strategic priorities to guide our work: Elevating Women’s Economic Opportunity and Eliminating Barriers, Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities in Health Care, and Empowering Women in Government. 

An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products would mandate free and stigma-free access to menstrual products in all primary and secondary public schools, homeless shelters, prisons, and jails. This legislation is a priority of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators and aligns directly with our strategic goal of addressing racial and gender disparities in health care. 

Nearly half of the Commonwealth’s population menstruates. Yet, individuals in Massachusetts spend an estimated $200 to $300 annually on menstrual products—an essential but often overlooked expense. For many, particularly those living in poverty or unstable housing, this cost is prohibitive. One in seven children in Massachusetts lives in poverty, homelessness has increased by 14%, and menstrual products are excluded from federal assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. As a result, access to basic hygiene remains out of reach for far too many. 

The impact of period poverty, defined as the inability to afford adequate menstrual hygiene supplies, is profound. Seventy-two percent of school nurses in Massachusetts report that students miss class due to a lack of access to menstrual products, directly undermining their right to learn. In Central Massachusetts alone, more than 150,000 individuals—roughly one in four menstruators—experience period poverty. For those in shelters and correctional facilities, the problem is compounded by limited access and, at times, the use of products as tools of control. 

The consequences extend beyond physical discomfort. Period poverty disrupts daily life and productivity, affecting educational and economic outcomes. Seventy percent of menstruators have missed school or work due to menstruation, and one in ten working individuals report reduced productivity during their periods. Lack of access can also lead to serious health risks, including infections, emotional distress, and the perpetuation of harmful stigma. 

An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products recognizes menstrual products for what they are: a public health necessity, not a luxury. By mandating access in schools, shelters, and correctional facilities, Massachusetts can remove a deeply entrenched financial burden and affirm the right to manage one’s health with dignity. Passing this bill would represent a meaningful advancement in the Commonwealth’s commitment to equity, public wellness, and gender equality. 

Massachusetts is not alone in this effort. More than 25 states have enacted laws requiring free menstrual products in public schools and correctional facilities, reflecting a growing national consensus that menstrual equity is essential.  As one of the highest-rated states for women to live in and a beacon of gender equality, the Commonwealth should view the provision of menstrual products in public schools, shelters, and correctional facilities not as a cost, but as a meaningful investment in equity.  

We acknowledge and sincerely appreciate the Committee’s favorable reporting of this bill during the previous legislative session. As the Legislature advances its commitment to a more just and inclusive Commonwealth, the enactment of this legislation offers a significant opportunity to address economic, educational, and health disparities through a cohesive and impactful measure. 

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators proudly supports An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products and urges its swift passage. We sincerely appreciate the Committee’s favorable reporting of this legislation during the previous session and respectfully encourage the Committee to advance it once again 

We thank you for your consideration and your continued work on behalf of the people of Massachusetts. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of further assistance. 

Sincerely,  

Senator Robyn Kennedy 
Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators Senate Chair         

Representative Christine Barber 
Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators House Chair

June 24, 2025

The Honorable John Keenan, Senate Chair
Joint Committee on Election Laws
State House, Room 413-F
Boston, MA 02133 

The Honorable Daniel Hunt, House Chair
Joint Committee on Election Laws
State House, Room 443
Boston, MA 02133 

Dear Honorable Chairs:  

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators respectfully submits this letter in strong support of H.804: An Act relative to gender-neutral language in Elections Law, filed by Representative Blais.

As a bipartisan, bicameral body representing 61 members—more than 31% of the Massachusetts Legislature—the Women’s Caucus is guided by three strategic priorities: Elevating Women’s Economic Opportunity and Eliminating Barriers; Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities in Health Care; and Empowering Women in Government.

An Act relative to gender-neutral language in the Elections Law is a legislative priority for the Caucus, as it directly supports our mission to empower women in government. The bill seeks to amend Section 3 of Chapter 53 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, by replacing more than 180 instances of gendered language—such as “he,” “his,” “chairman,” and “selectmen”—with inclusive, gender-neutral terminology including “they,” “their,” “chairperson,” and “select board.” The Women’s Caucus is committed to dismantling barriers to full political participation, and this bill represents a meaningful advancement toward that goal by fostering a more inclusive and equitable legal framework.

Language is not merely a tool of communication—it is a powerful force that shapes societal perceptions and expectations. A substantial body of research demonstrates that gendered language operates as a structural barrier, deterring women from pursuing elected office and influencing public perceptions of their legitimacy and qualifications. As such, the continued use of masculine-default language in the Commonwealth’s statutes perpetuates, especially in election laws, outdated assumptions about who is presumed to belong in public leadership. This linguistic bias reinforces and institutionalizes gender disparities in civic participation.

As the Caucus commemorates its 50th anniversary, we are acutely aware of the enduring gender disparity in the Massachusetts Legislature. To date, only 241 women have served in the General Court. This figure is not indicative of a lack of interest or capacity, but rather of persistent structural and cultural barriers that inhibit women’s full participation in public life.  Among those barriers is the use of gendered statutory language, which not only affects voter perception but also undermines the legitimacy of the women who serve today. Such erasure is incompatible with the Commonwealth’s core values of equity, justice, and inclusive governance.

H.804 directly addresses these systemic inequities by eliminating gendered language from election laws, thereby affirming that individuals of all gender identities are entitled to equitable representation under the law. Amending these statutes to incorporate gender-neutral language is a necessary and long-overdue measure to promote equal access to political participation and to ensure that the Commonwealth’s legal framework reflects the full diversity of its constituents. Enactment of this legislation would reaffirm the Commonwealth’s commitment to equity in governance, acknowledge the contributions of more than a century of women legislators, and acknowledge the leadership of individuals across the gender spectrum in public service.

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators strongly urges swift and favorable action on H.804, An Act relative to gender-neutral language in the Elections Law.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and your continued leadership on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information or assistance.

Sincerely,  

Senator Robyn Kennedy 
Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators Senate Chair         

Representative Christine Barber 
Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators House Chair

July 28, 2025 

The Honorable John C. Velis, Senate Chair  Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery  State House, Room 513  Boston, MA 02133  

The Honorable Mindy Domb, House Chair  Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery  State House, Room 33  Boston, MA 02133  

Dear Honorable Chairs, 

On behalf of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, we write in strong support of H.2208/S.1411 – An Act to Establish a Perinatal Behavioral Health Care Workforce Trust Fund, filed by Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid and Senator Liz Miranda.

The Women’s Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral body of 62 members, comprising over 31% of the Massachusetts Legislature. This session, our work is guided by three overarching strategic priorities: Elevating Women’s Economic Opportunity and Eliminating Barriers, Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities in Health Care, and Empowering Women in Government. In alignment with these priorities, our members have selected five legislative priorities. Among them, H.2208/S.1411 – An Act to Establish a Perinatal Behavioral Health Care Workforce Trust Fund is a Women’s Caucus priority bill that addresses the urgent maternal mental health crisis and directly advances our strategic goal of eliminating racial and gender disparities in health care. 

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, and the outcomes are even more alarming for Black birthing people due to structural racism and persistent inequities. In 2023, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that life-threatening pregnancy complications have doubled over the past decade. Suicide and overdose are now the leading causes of death for women in the year after childbirth. The Massachusetts Mind the Gap Coalition estimates that at least 20% of new mothers experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), while the DPH found that 1 in 7 birthing people and 1 in 10 partners may face postpartum depression or anxiety; another research paper showed most parents (75%) facing PMADs do not receive any treatment. 

Massachusetts took a bold and necessary step with the passage of the 2024 omnibus maternal health law, which incorporated provisions from the Moms Matter Act, including a grant program to support culturally congruent, community-based mental health support for perinatal individuals, and other important provisions requiring screening for PMADs in maternity care and pediatric settings. H.2208/S.1411 provides the necessary framework to realize the law’s promise by establishing a Perinatal Behavioral Health Care Workforce Trust Fund, administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. 

Specifically,  An Act to Establish a Perinatal Behavioral Health Care Workforce Trust Fund will grow and diversify the perinatal mental health workforce through scholarships, training, and support for providers such as social workers, counselors, and peer specialists. It prioritizes institutions serving underserved communities and requires training on implicit bias to reduce disparities. The bill also funds community-based programs offering prenatal care, mental health and substance use treatment, suicide prevention, and pregnancy loss support. Importantly, it expands the definition of “perinatal individuals” to inclusively recognize foster and adoptive parents, as well as those who have experienced pregnancy loss. 

As a bipartisan, bicameral bod representing more than one-third of the Massachusetts Legislature, the Women’s Caucus sees this bill as a transformative investment in maternal mental health and equity. We are encouraged that the FY2026 budget includes funding for the Moms Matter Act, a clear sign that our Commonwealth recognizes the urgency of this moment and is committed to delivering care where it is needed most. 

We respectfully urge a favorable report on H.2208/S.1411 to ensure this program receives the sustained investment needed to succeed. By supporting the behavioral health needs of birthing people—particularly in communities that have long been marginalized—we are not only saving lives, we are also affirming the dignity and worth of every family in Massachusetts. 

Thank you for your leadership and continued commitment to the health and well-being of all residents of the Commonwealth.  

Sincerely,  

Senator Robyn Kennedy       MCWL Senate Chair

Representative Christine Barber                                                                 MCWL House Chair                                                

September 26, 2025 

The Honorable Robyn K. Kennedy, Senate Chair   Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities  State House, Room 312-D  Boston, MA 02133  

The Honorable Jay D. Livingstone, House Chair   Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities  State House, Room 146  Boston, MA 02133  

Honorable Chairs:  

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is pleased to submit testimony in strong support of H.223/S.130: An Act Relative to a Livable Wage for Human Service Workers, filed by Representative Mindy Domb and Senator Cindy F. Friedman. 

The Women Caucus is a 50 years strong, bipartisan, bicameral body of 62 members representing over 31% of the Legislature, committed to advancing women’s economic opportunity, addressing racial and gender disparities in health care, and empowering women in government. In alignment with these priorities, our members have selected five legislative priorities and endorsed an additional seventeen bills. 

An Act Relative to a Livable Wage for Human Service Workers is a priority bill of the Women's Caucus that addresses the prevailing wage gap between state-employed human service workers and those employed by state-contracted community-based agencies within a four-year period. With an estimated 80% of the Massachusetts human services workforce being women, this legislation directly advances our strategic priority of eliminating barriers to women’s economic opportunity. 

The Commonwealth is the largest purchaser of human services through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. Yet the dedicated professionals in community-based programs—who hold the same credentials and provide the same essential services as their state-employed counterparts—are paid significantly less.  

The 2025 Executive Office of Health and Human Services report documented this inequity starkly: a 58% wage gap between state-employed and agency-employed physical therapists, and a 56% gap among psychologists.  

These disparities leave community- based program employed human service workers, earning poverty-level wages, undermining their ability to support their families and destabilizing nonprofit providers that are already struggling to recruit and retain staff, further threatened by looming impact of federal cuts that threaten service continuity and organizational sustainability. 

H.223/S.130 directly addresses this crisis by requiring parity between community-based and state-employed human service workers by 2029—ensuring equal pay for equal work. This structured approach to reimbursement rates will help stabilize the workforce, protect continuity of care for vulnerable populations, and advance women’s economic opportunity, a central priority of the Caucus. 

As a bipartisan Caucus committed to advancing women’s economic opportunity, we strongly support An Act Relative to a Livable Wage for Human Service Workers as a vital step to ensure fair wages for human service workers, close persistent gender-based disparities, and stabilize the community-based providers that serve our most vulnerable residents. This bill is both a matter of fairness and of sustainability—supporting a female-dominated workforce while safeguarding essential services across the Commonwealth. 

Thank you for your favorable review of this bill and your work on the many other critical matters before our Commonwealth. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or if we can be of assistance. 

Sincerely,    

Representative Christine Barber  
MCWL House Chair  

Senator Joan B. Lovely MCWL Senate Vice Chair

November 14, 2025

The Honorable Cindy F. Friedman, Senate Chair   Joint Committee on HealthCare Financing State House, Room 313  Boston, MA 02133  

The Honorable John Lawn, House Chair   Joint Committee on Health Care Financing State House, Room 237 Boston, MA 02133  

Honorable Chairs:  

Dear Honorable Chairs:

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators respectfully submits this letter of

strong and unequivocal support for three bills designated as priority legislation by the

Caucus for the 194th General Court:

● H.2432/S.1484 – An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer (Reps. Gentile and Kane; Sen. Comerford);

● H.2208/S.1411 – An Act to establish a perinatal behavioral health care workforce trust fund (Sen. Miranda; Rep. Fluker-Reid); and

● H.4611– An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products (Reps. Livingstone and Barber).

As a bipartisan, bicameral body representing 62 members—over 31% of the Legislature—the Women’s Caucus advances policies aligned with our strategic priorities: Elevating Women’s Economic Opportunity, Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities in Health Care, and Empowering Women in Government.

Each of the bills listed above represents a concrete, evidence-based response to longstanding inequities that disproportionately affect women and girls—particularly those living in low-income districts, historically marginalized communities, and medically underserved areas. Together, these bills address challenges that span the full lifespan, from infancy through older adulthood, and expand access to essential, highquality, and culturally competent care and resources. Women’s health is foundational, not only to individual outcomes, but to community stability, economic mobility, and the long-term advancement of women throughout Massachusetts.

Reducing Incidence and Mortality from Pancreatic Cancer (H.2432/S.1484)

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with a 13% five-year survival rate and some of the starkest racial disparities in modern oncology. National and state data consistently show that Black and Hispanic patients are diagnosed later, receive fewer specialty referrals, and face reduced access to surgical and life-saving interventions.

This bill directly addresses those disparities by establishing a statewide framework for:

● earlier detection,

● expanded access to screening and specialist care,

● culturally responsive community education, and

● coordinated efforts and enhanced multidisciplinary care in regions with limited oncology resources.

Pancreatic cancer is considered to be one of the toughest cancers faced both in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and across the United States. This legislation implements the findings of the Special Legislative Commission to Study Pancreatic Cancer, established with broad bipartisan support in 2018.

By expanding prevention, strengthening care pathways, and reducing geographic barriers, it advances the Caucus’s commitment to equitable health outcomes. Its framework for research, education, and public awareness improves early detection and promotes fair access to care—helping to reduce persistent racial and gender disparities in pancreatic cancer outcomes.

Establishing a Perinatal Behavioral Health Workforce Trust Fund (H.2208/S.1411)

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, a reality made even more severe for Black birthing people due to structural racism and inequitable access to care; this inequity is mirrored in perinatal mental health conditions—the leading complications of pregnancy and postpartum recovery—which also exhibit profound racial disparities in diagnosis and treatment.

More than 80% of birthing-aged women in the United States live in maternal mental health professional shortage areas, leaving countless families without timely or adequate support. The burden falls disproportionately on communities of color: up to 40% of Black and Latina mothers experience postpartum depression—twice the rate of White mothers—and PMAD diagnoses among AAPI communities have surged by 280% since 2010. Massachusetts mirrors these alarming national patterns. In 2023, the Department of Public Health reported that life-threatening pregnancy complications have doubled over the past decade, and 1 in 5 new mothers experiences a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder—most without ever receiving the treatment they urgently need.

H.2208/S.1411 provides a focused, structural solution by establishing a Perinatal Behavioral Health Care Workforce Trust Fund within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to:

● expand and diversify the perinatal behavioral health workforce,

● strengthen culturally responsive and community-based care models,

● improve access in medically underserved and high-risk communities, and

● reduce wait times and gaps in follow-up care.

This legislation complements the progress made under the Commonwealth’s 2024 omnibus maternal health law by providing the workforce infrastructure needed to fully implement expanded screening, culturally congruent services, and community mental health supports.

By addressing the workforce shortages that drive persistent inequities, H.2208/S.1411 advances maternal health justice and ensures that every birthing person—regardless of race, zip code, or income—has access to the care they need and deserve.

Increasing Access to Menstrual Products (H.4611)

Access to menstrual products is a basic health necessity, yet thousands of people in Massachusetts experience “period poverty”—a barrier that disproportionately affects Black and Latina women, low-income families, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those who are incarcerated. When people cannot afford or access menstrual products, the consequences are immediate and far-reaching: 70% of menstruators report missing school or work due to menstruation, and 1 in 10 working individuals experience reduced productivity

H.4611 addresses this inequity directly by requiring free, accessible menstrual products in public schools, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters, ensuring no one must choose between basic hygiene and participating fully in education, employment, or community life.

Massachusetts has shown strong and consistent support for menstrual equity—the Senate has unanimously passed this bill for three consecutive sessions. Across the country, more than 25 states have already enacted similar measures in schools and correctional settings, reflecting a growing national consensus that menstrual products are essential, not optional.

As one of the highest-rated states for women to live in and a longstanding leader in gender equity, Massachusetts should view menstrual products not as a cost, but as a critical investment in dignity, health, and equal opportunity. Enacting this bill would eliminate a longstanding barrier and reaffirm the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that every resident can participate fully and equitably in daily life.

Conclusion

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators—now in its fiftieth year—continues its mission to strengthen the leadership, health, and economic status of women and girls across the Commonwealth. At the start of the legislative session, following a robust review process and extensive member input, the Caucus adopted three strategic priorities, five legislative priorities that have received bipartisan and bicameral support. and seventeen endorsed bills. We have advanced these measures through written testimonies, legislative briefings, and active participation in statewide coalitions.

Currently, three of our five legislative priorities have received favorable reports from their initial committees and now await consideration before the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. The three bills outlined above address fundamental inequities in access to care by expanding the health care workforce, ensuring the availability of essential health and hygiene resources, and strengthening prevention and public awareness. They reaffirm Massachusetts’s obligation to ensure that no woman or girl is denied care, dignity, or opportunity because of race, income, geography, or gender.

For these reasons, the Women’s Caucus respectfully urges the Committee to issue favorable reports on all three bills. Each measure is a necessary step toward building a Massachusetts where women—and all who depend on them—are fully supported throughout their lives.

Thank you for your leadership and your attention to these critical matters. The Caucus stands ready to provide any additional information or assistance the Committee may require.

Sincerely,    

Representative Christine Barber  
MCWL House Chair  

Senator Robyn Kennedy MCWL Senate Chair

June 13, 2025  

The Honorable William J. Driscoll, Senate Chair
Joint Committee on Public Health
State House, Room 111
Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Marjorie C. Decker, House Chair
Joint Committee on Public Health
State House, Room 130
Boston, MA 02133 

Dear Honorable Chairs:

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is pleased to submit this written testimony in support of S.1484/H.2432: An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer, filed by Senator Comerford, Representative Kane, and Representative Gentile.

As a bipartisan, bicameral body representing 61 members—over 31% of the Massachusetts Legislature— the Women’s Caucus is guided by three overarching strategic priorities: Elevating Women’s Economic Opportunity and Eliminating Barriers, Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities in Health Care, and Empowering Women in Government.

An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer is a priority for the Women’s Caucus, as it aligns directly with our strategic goal of addressing racial and gender disparities in health care. By establishing a comprehensive framework for research, education, and public awareness, this legislation strengthens early detection efforts and promotes equitable access to care—ultimately helping to reduce the gendered and racial disparities that persist in pancreatic cancer outcomes.

Pancreatic cancer is among the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 12%. In Massachusetts, it is the second-deadliest cancer, and in 2020 alone, it claimed the lives of over 1,000 residents. More than 70% of those diagnosed die within the first year. However, early diagnosis and intervention can slightly improve outcomes—about 10% of patients diagnosed at an early stage become disease-free following treatment.

Recent research, including a 2023 Cedars-Sinai Cancer study, reveals that incidence rates of pancreatic cancer are rising fastest among younger women, particularly Black and Hispanic women. While the causes of these disparities remain unclear, they highlight the urgency of targeted research, intervention, and education, goals that this bill squarely addresses.

An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer proposes a comprehensive statewide initiative, grounded in the findings of the Special Legislative Commission to Study Pancreatic Cancer, which was created with broad legislative support and signed into law through a supplemental budget.

The bill would establish a 13-member Pancreatic Cancer Advisory Council within the Department of Public Health to coordinate efforts in education, prevention, early detection, and patient support. It also mandates a public awareness campaign around genetic risk factors and early warning signs, including the link between new-onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, it calls for a review of insurance coverage for genetic testing and screening to ensure that access to these critical tools is equitable and effective.

This bill has notably been filed in previous sessions, earning favorable reports from the Joint Committee on Public Health and the bipartisan co-sponsorship of more than 80 legislators this session. It is expected to have minimal financial impact on the Commonwealth while offering substantial public health benefits.

The Caucus of Women Legislators believes this legislation represents a crucial step toward reducing racial and gender disparities in healthcare and improving outcomes for all Massachusetts residents. The Caucus is also proud to support this legislation in memory of our late colleague, Representative Carole Doherty, who passed away from pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

As a bipartisan, bicameral body dedicated to advancing policies that address racial and gendered disparities in healthcare, the Caucus strongly supports this legislation as a vital step in promoting improved healthcare for all and reducing racial and gendered disparities in diagnosis and incidence. The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators urges its swift and favorable passage.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and continued leadership on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide any additional information or support.

Sincerely,

Senator Robyn Kennedy 
Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators Senate Chair

Representative Christine Barber 
Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators House Chair

May 14, 2026

Chair Michael Rodrigues
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
State House Room 212
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Chair Rodrigues:

On behalf of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, we thank you for your leadership and thoughtful stewardship of the Fiscal Year 2027 Senate budget.

For more than 50 years, the Caucus has advanced bipartisan policies that improve the lives of women, girls, and families across the Commonwealth. Our work focuses on expanding economic opportunity, strengthening health and wellbeing, and ensuring women’s full participation in civic and public leadership. This session, the Caucus includes 12 Senate members and is co-chaired by Senator Kennedy and Representative Barber.

We are grateful for the opportunity to present the Caucus’s priority budget amendments for your consideration. Each recommended amendment detailed below advances the Women Caucus’ strategic priorities, legislative agenda, and the critical statewide needs impacting women, girls, and families across Massachusetts.

We respectfully urge your favorable consideration and inclusion of these amendments:

• #143, filed by Sen. Kennedy — MA Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) Aligns with all Caucus strategic priorities and the overall mission.

• #179, filed by Sen. Rausch — Massachusetts Women’s History Center
  Aligns with Caucus’ strategic priority: Empowering Women in Government.

• #526 filed by Sen. Lovely — Midwifery Workforce Development Fund
  Aligns with Caucus’ Strategic Priorities: Addressing Racial and Gender Health Disparities in Healthcare and Elevating Economic Opportunities and Eliminating Barriers for Women.

• #530, filed by Sen. Kennedy — Endometriosis Task Force
  Aligns with Caucus’ strategic priorities: Addressing Racial and Gender Health Disparities in Healthcare and Elevating Economic Opportunities and Eliminating Barriers for Women.

#143, filed by Sen. Kennedy: MA Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC)

MAWOCC is a statewide organization dedicated to eliminating racial inequities affecting women of color by addressing the structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized impacts of racism. This funding will support infrastructure development, expand program delivery, and strengthen initiatives focused on civic leadership, educational equity, economic empowerment, criminal justice reform, and health equity.

This investment directly aligns with the Women’s Caucus mission to advance women’s economic equality and expand leadership opportunities for women across all sectors of public life. MAWOCC plays a vital role in empowering women and girls by preparing informed, engaged civic participants and cultivating the next generation of community leaders across the Commonwealth.

#179, filed by Sen. Rausch: MA Women’s History Center

The Massachusetts Women’s History Center advances educational, cultural, and civic programming through an intersectional lens that elevates the contributions of women across the Commonwealth’s history. This funding will support civic engagement initiatives, the launch of the Massachusetts Women’s Hall of Fame, the development of digital exhibits, and the creation of a public exhibition space near the Freedom Trail, including a State House memorial honoring the women and organizations that shaped Massachusetts history.

These efforts directly align with the mission of the Women’s Caucus to empower women in government and public life by ensuring women’s stories, leadership, and contributions are accurately represented and publicly celebrated.

Continued investment in the Massachusetts Women’s History Center builds on the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusive historical representation, particularly as Massachusetts commemorates the 250th Anniversary, while strengthening collaboration among the Legislature, the Executive Branch, civic organizations, and community leaders. Funding this initiative in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget will expand public education, deepen civic engagement, and preserve a more complete and representative history for future generations.

#526 filed by Sen. Lovely: Midwifery Workforce Development Fund

Massachusetts continues to face significant maternal health disparities, with Black women experiencing disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related complications and adverse birth outcomes regardless of income or education level. At the same time, communities across the Commonwealth face shortages in maternal health providers, particularly in rural and historically underserved areas. Research consistently shows that midwifery care improves maternal and infant outcomes, reduces unnecessary interventions, and expands access to culturally responsive care.

The Midwifery Workforce Development Fund would expand and strengthen a Massachusetts Department of Public Health program dedicated to supporting the education, licensure, retention, and wellbeing of midwives across the Commonwealth. The amendment also establishes an advisory committee representing community health centers, midwifery education programs, community colleges, reproductive justice organizations, safety-net hospitals, and freestanding birth centers to guide implementation and ensure equitable statewide impact.

Building on the progress of the 2024 Maternal Health Omnibus Law, which expanded state licensing and regulatory pathways for midwives and birth centers, this amendment advances the Women’s Caucus’ strategic priority of addressing racial and gender disparities in maternal health through workforce development, and sustained investment in strengthening healthcare systems for best maternal health outcomes.

#530, Filed by Senator Kennedy: Endometriosis Task Force

Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women, yet diagnosis takes an average of 7–10 years due to systemic gaps in provider training, limited research investment, and the persistent dismissal of women’s pain—particularly among women of color. These inequities contribute to prolonged suffering, increased infertility, and substantial economic burdens through medical costs, missed work, and lost productivity. This amendment aligns with Caucus' strategic focus on addressing racial and gender disparities as well as eliminating barriers to women’s economic advancement.

Establishing a statewide Endometriosis Task Force at no additional cost to the Commonwealth would create a coordinated approach to improving research, diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is a critical step toward addressing longstanding disparities and ensuring women across the Commonwealth receive timely, effective, and dignified care.

We respectfully urge inclusion of these amendments in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget as strategic investments that expand access to care, strengthen economic opportunity, preserve inclusive history, and improve outcomes for women and families across the Commonwealth. These recommendations were developed through a collaborative, member-driven process led by the State Budget Task Force and Senate Caucus members. Together, they reflect bipartisan consensus and meaningful statewide impact.

Thank you for your continued leadership and partnership in advancing policies that support women, girls, and families across Massachusetts. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or requests for additional information.

Sincerely,

Senator Robyn Kennedy
Senate Chair, MA Caucus of Women Legislators

CC: Senate President Spilka
Senator Joanne Comerford, MCWL State Budget Task Force Senate Chair
Senator Joan Lovely
Senator Becca Raush

June 10, 2026

Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Chair
House Committee on Ways & Means
Sen. Joanne M. Comerford, Vice Chair
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Rep. Kip Diggs, Assistant Vice Chair
House Committee on Ways & Means
Sen. Patrick M. O’Connor, Ranking Minority Member
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Rep. Todd M. Smola, Ranking Minority Member
House Committee on Ways & Means

Dear Honorable Conferees:

On behalf of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, we write to express our strong support for several funding and policy priorities included in either the House or Senate budget proposals and respectfully urge their inclusion in the final conference budget.

The Caucus of Women Legislators is the nation's longest continuously operating bipartisan and bicameral women's legislative caucus, with a 50-year legacy of leadership, advocacy, and impact. Composed of 60 women serving in the House and Senate, the Caucus is united in its mission to enhance the economic status and equality of women and to encourage and support women in all levels of government.

Through a member-driven process this legislative session, the Caucus identified three overarching strategic priorities: elevating women’s economic opportunity and eliminating barriers; addressing racial and gender disparities in health care; and empowering women in government.

The funding and policy priorities outlined below reflect these goals and embody the Caucus's bipartisan commitment to ensuring that all residents of Massachusetts have the opportunity to thrive.

At a time when many women and families continue to face economic uncertainty, barriers to health care access, and persistent inequities, these investments represent meaningful steps toward a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Commonwealth.

Endometriosis Taskforce

Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women, yet diagnosis takes an average of seven to ten years due to systemic gaps in provider training, limited research investment, and the persistent dismissal of women’s pain, particularly among women of color. These inequities contribute to prolonged suffering, increased infertility, and significant economic burdens through medical costs, missed work, and lost productivity.

This initiative aligns directly with the Caucus’s strategic priorities of addressing racial and gender disparities in health care and eliminating barriers to women’s economic advancement. Establishing a statewide Endometriosis Taskforce would create a coordinated approach to improving research, diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes at no additional cost to the Commonwealth.

Amendment #530, filed by Senator Kennedy, was included in the final Senate budget as a policy amendment, and we respectfully urge its inclusion in the final FY27 budget.

Girls Inc. Eureka! & SMART Programs

This $200,000 investment in Girls Inc. chapters across Massachusetts would provide girls in under-resourced communities and girls of color with mentorship and evidence-based programming that creates pathways into higher education, STEM careers, and leadership opportunities.

Through initiatives such as Eureka! and SMART, Girls Inc. equips participants with the skills and confidence to overcome gender, economic, and social barriers and grow into healthy, educated, and independent leaders. This investment strengthens the Commonwealth’s future STEM and workforce pipeline while advancing long-term economic mobility.

This funding directly supports the Women’s Caucus's priority of elevating women’s economic opportunity and eliminating barriers. Amendment #147, filed by Representative Sousa, was included in the final House budget for $200,000, and we respectfully request its inclusion in the final FY27 budget.

MA Women of Color Coalition

The Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) is a statewide organization dedicated to eliminating racial inequities, increasing civic participation, and improving the health, wellbeing, and empowerment of women of color across the Commonwealth.

This funding would strengthen organizational infrastructure and expand programming focused on civic leadership, educational justice, economic empowerment, criminal justice reform, and health equity. MAWOCC’s work directly advances the Women’s Caucus priorities of expanding economic opportunity, empowering women in government, and improving the wellbeing of women and families across Massachusetts.

Amendment #143, filed by Senator Kennedy, was included in the final Senate budget for $200,000, and we respectfully request its inclusion in the final FY27 budget.

MA Women’s History Center

The Massachusetts Women’s History Center preserves and elevates the stories of suffragists and the contributions of women across Massachusetts history.

This funding directly supports the Caucus's priority of empowering women in government by preserving the civic legacy of women's leadership and expanding public access to the history of women’s public service across Massachusetts.

Amendment #179, filed by Senator Rausch, was included in the final Senate budget for $200,000, and we respectfully request its inclusion in the final FY27 budget.

At a time when women and families continue to face significant economic, health, and social challenges, these investments represent meaningful opportunities to strengthen communities, expand access, and advance equity across the Commonwealth.

We respectfully urge the Conference Committee to retain these priorities in the final FY27 budget and thank you for your thoughtful consideration and continued leadership on behalf of the people of Massachusetts.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or require additional information.

Sincerely,

Senator Robyn Kennedy
MCWL Senate Chair

Representative Christine Barber
MCWL House Chair

Representative Michelle Ciccolo
MCWL State Budget Task Force House Chair