Dear Caucus Members, Legislative Colleagues, and Partners,

As 2024 and the 193rd legislative session close, we pause to celebrate a year of remarkable progress and collaboration. Together, we have achieved meaningful legislative victories, hosted dynamic events—virtual, hybrid, and in-person—and engaged in impactful conversations with leaders across the State House and beyond.

This year has been a testament to the enduring legacy of advocacy, camaraderie, coalition-building, and lawmaking that defines our Caucus.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to commemorate our 50th Anniversary—solidifying our place as one of the nation’s oldest and continuously active bipartisan and bicameral women’s caucuses. Stay tuned for exciting announcements about our anniversary celebrations in January!

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Here’s to continued progress in the year ahead!

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

During the 193rd legislative session, four of our five legislative priority bills, along with several of the twenty endorsed bills, were successfully enacted into law.

An Act relative to salary range transparency- Signed Into Law.

An Act relative to postpartum depression screening- Signed Into Law.

An Act supporting parents running for public office -Signed Into Law.

An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products - Passed the Senate/In-House Ways & Means.

An Act relative to a livable wage for human service workers- language requiring a report comparing the wages of community-based and state human services workers, is Enacted in the FY 25 Budget.

After years of exceptional service, six of our Caucus members are departing the General Court. These legislators have led with distinction, serving their districts, committees, and the Caucus in key leadership roles. We are deeply grateful for their impactful contributions and mentorship and wish them the very best in their next chapter. Watch their farewell speeches in the Senate and House to honor their legacy.

Our Caucus members engaged with entrepreneurs from India, visiting through the World Boston International Visitor Leadership Program, to exchange insights and experiences.

We hosted a successful Winter Social for staff, and the Members' Lounge buzzed with energy and lively conversations. We thank everyone who attended the event, especially our office intern, Maggie, who organized it.

Events Coming Up

• All elected members will be sworn in on January 1st, 2025. The ceremony can be viewed here. 

• Governor Maura Healey will give the State of the Commonwealth address at a joint session of the Legislature on January 16th, 2025.

• The 55th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast, themed “Freedom Isn’t Free,” will take place on January 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Omni Boston Hotel's Ensemble Ballroom. The event will feature prominent officials and a keynote address by renowned activist, author, and professor Angela Davis.

• The 2025 Menstrual Equity Summit will occur on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Sargent Hall, Suffolk University. This event will focus on addressing and ending period poverty across Massachusetts.

• The Massachusetts Maternal Health Law, which expands earned sick time to include pregnancy loss and failed reproductive efforts, is now in effect.

• Following the 2024 elections, women will hold a record 33.4% of state legislative seats nationwide, with 2,467 women serving in 2025.

• Our partners at the MA Commission on the Status of Women released their FY24 Annual Report, which includes updates on their work, the results of their public hearings, and summaries of the work of each Regional Commission.

• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter for updates.