The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators has multiple task forces to dig deeper into specific issues that are facing women and girls throughout the Commonwealth.

 

Members of the women’s caucus sexual violence task force and colleagues from across the legislature, executive branch, and constitutional offices joined together to commemorate denim day in april of 2023.

Justice-Involved Women Task Force

Co-Chaired by Rep. Kay Khan and Rep. Christine Barber

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators’ Justice-Involved Women Task Force supports policies for women who are currently or formerly involved in the criminal legal system through prevention, supports, and decarceration. The Task Force recognizes that women are brought into the criminal legal system for very different reasons than men, and require specific support and programming. The Task Force focuses on ensuring comprehensive health care, mental health and trauma counseling, educational and job training opportunities, and facilitating connections to one’s children, family, and community. The Task Force also works to divert women from being incarcerated in the first place, advocating for changes to discriminatory sentencing laws, and increased community support programs, with an ultimate goal of decarceration.

Pregnancy & Birth Equity Task Force

Co-Chaired by Sen. Miranda and Sen. Rausch

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators’ Pregnancy & Birth Equity Task Force seeks to support birthing people, families, and babies before, during, and after birth. By focusing on racial disparities in care, the need for affordable and accessible health and mental health care, and other impacts unique to birthing people, the Task Force will bring advocates and experts together to support legislation, raise awareness, and make positive change for birthing people in Massachusetts.

Sexual Violence Task Force

Co-Chaired by Rep. Natalie Higgins and Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators’ Sexual Violence Task Force supports survivors of sexual violence and aims to bring together organizations and individuals committed to ending the epidemic of sexual violence. By bringing advocates and experts together, supporting legislation, and encouraging state legislators and staff to build relationships with their local support services, the Task Force seeks to center the voices of survivors and raise awareness about sexual violence.

State Budget Task Force

Co-Chaired by Sen. Cindy Friedman and Rep. Michelle Ciccolo

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators’ State Budget Task Force works to ensure that the needs of women are appropriately represented through the state budget process. Focusing on the Caucus’ strategic priorities, legislative priorities, Task Forces, and the needs of women across the Commonwealth, this Task Force seeks to center women in the important budget process by engaging our legislative colleagues and amplifying issues consistent with our priorities.