Caucus of Women Legislators

ROOM 460 STATE HOUSE BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS 02133 617 722 2266

3rd Quarter 2010 MEMBERS SUPPORT “START” particular issue was the percent- not as effective as it could be,” age of the federal discretionary she noted. SAVE THE budget dedicated to military Of particular importance to spending. “Wouldn’t it be nice WiLL’s agenda currently is the DATE! if, instead of Scott Brown won- ratification of the new Strategic dering if we can afford to con- Arms Reduction Treaty

tinue paying unemployment in- (START). Senator Orrock em- NAWJ / WBA surance, he would wonder phasized the group’s efforts to whether we could continue to ensure a swift ratification of the “BRANCHING OUT” EVENT Women Legislators’ Lobby President and afford to fight in Afghanistan,” treaty. The organization seeks Georgia State Senator Nan Orrock ad- noted Senator Jehlen in her to encourage partisan players to October 6, 2010 dressed MA Caucus members at the State House July 12th opening remarks. rise to the level of statesman Senator Orrock began her instead of taking a stand based Senator Susan Tucker (D- presentation by identifying the on party affiliation. She Iranian Leadership Andover) and the Caucus of importance of finding the root pointed out that, through their Conference Women Legislators hosted a causes of social problems that efforts, hundreds of well re- Reception presentation by Georgia State organizations like WAND hope spected Republicans are in sup- and Senator and President of the to correct. She charged that one port of the ratification of the Roundtable Women Legislators’ Lobby of the major goals of WiLL is to treaty which will verifiably (WiLL), Nan Orrock, this July. redirect vital funding from mili- reduce U.S. and Russian nu- October 7, 2010 WiLL, a national non-partisan tary spending and that it is of clear weapons, assure a safer network of women state legisla- critical importance to craft the more stable nuclear relationship tors who collaborate to influence budget differently on the federal with Russia, strengthen efforts federal policy and budget priori- level, specifically to “let women throughout the world to stop the ties, was formed in Massachu- help cut the pie.” With a na- spread of nuclear weapons and Inside this issue: setts in 1991 as a program of tional network of about 1800 improve U.S-Russian relations

Women’s Action for New Direc- women in state legislatures, while laying the foundation for CO-CHAIRS MESSAGE 2 tions (WAND). WAND has the lobby and makes additional cooperative work “The work of WiLL is critical it a primary goal to urge women with Russia. in these times. Working together, to get involved in politics. The Senator concluded her ST. FLEUR FAREWELL 2 all across the country, women According to Orrock, with speech by urging state lawmak- legislators have a much stronger 58% of the nation’s discretionary ers to lobby US Senators Scott voice as we work to convince the spending going to the Pentagon, Brown and John Kerry to sup- AG CALLS ON CAUCUS 3 U.S. Senate to ratify the new and Pentagon officials unable to port the nuclear arms reduction Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty give accounts of how they’re agreement. and influence other federal poli- spending their money, there is Through the efforts of Mas- SUFFRAGE ANNIVERSARY 3 cies,” stated Senator Sue Tucker. cause for concern as allocations sachusetts WiLL State Direc- Caucus Co-Chairs Senator continue to be directed to weap- tors, Senator Susan Tucker (D- CAUCUS MEMBER 4 Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) ons projects developed for the Andover) and Representative AWARDS and Representative Alice Wolf Cold War. Orrock added that the (D-Newton), state

(D-Cambridge) introduced Sena- United States currently spends legislators were recently given WOMEN IN SERIES 5 tor Orrock, emphasizing the im- more than all other nations in the the opportunity to signal to portance of the issues on which world combined on defense and Congress their support of the WiLL and WAND focus. Of military spending. “It is simply treaty’s ratification. Caucus of Women Legislators

A Message from the Co-Chairs

Dear Colleagues, Staff and Friends,

The women of the legislature had a myriad of concerns and challenges in the last days of the 2009-2010 formal legislative session. Victories were hard fought but fortunately not entirely elusive.

Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D- Although much of the media attention focused on the fate of gaming legislation, the Somerville) and Representative Alice K. Wolf (D-Cambridge) legislature had far more on its agenda. We provided for autism insurance coverage, tar- geted relief to small businesses saddled with rising health care premiums, enacted the economic development bill with beneficial incentives for small businesses and consolidated two quasi-public agen- cies that help finance non-profits. In addition, we gave prosecutors new tools in the criminal justice bill allow prose- cutors to detain suspects charged with gun crimes and passed CORI reform.

Just as important is the preservation of crucial services cut in the FY11 budget. Congress recently approved an ex- tension of Medicaid's temporary enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for the Commonwealth last month, which allows us to allocate essential funds for public safety, children and families in need and workforce training. As we are also the co-Chairs of the Elder affairs committee, we and others have been diligently working to continue home care services where a waiting list has developed. Despite the prescribed end of this session, our work continues on your behalf.

We extend our sincere thanks for your support and interest throughout it all, and hope for the same united produc- tivity in the final months of 2010.

Sincerely, Senator Patricia D. Jehlen and Representative Alice K. Wolf

Caucus Bids Fond Farewell to St. Fleur

Representative Marie St. Fleur, attend college; and the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, which reported to be the first Haitian- provides services to families of homicide victims, among other American elected to state office in important initiatives. She was appointed to Vice-Chair of the the United States, has joined Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee in Mayor Thomas Menino’s admini- February 2009 and also served on the Judiciary and Public Ser- stration as his Chief of Advocacy vice Committees. and Strategic Investment. St. Fleur By appointing St. Fleur to this newly created position, Mayor was first elected to serve in the Menino has stated that he hopes for a fresh approach to coordi- Massachusetts House of Represen- nating education, job creation and other initiatives that are sup- tatives for the 5th Suffolk District on July 6, 1999. ported by local, state and federal programs. St. Fleur will oversee As Vice-Chair of Ways and Means, Representative St. Fleur the Intergovernmental Relations Offices and several priority ef- championed funding for community policing and safe neighbor- forts including the Circle of Promise, the Small and Local Busi- hood initiatives; substance abuse treatment; One Family Schol- ness Enterprise Office and the Mayor’s Office of New Bostoni- ars, a program to end family homelessness by helping women ans. Page 2 Caucus of Women Legislators AG CALLS ON CAUCUS

The following organizations are participating in the Women’s Suffrage Celebration Committee:

Emerge Massachusetts Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA Girls Scouts of Eastern MA League of Women Voters of MA MA Association of Women Lawyers MA Caucus of Women Legislators MA Commission Against Discrimination MA Commission on the Status of Women MA National Organization For Women (MA NOW) MA Women’s Political Caucus Women’s Bar Association of MA “Women Women's Bar Foundation of MA Empower Peace supporting The Massachusetts Caucus of take the opportunity to com- Submissions must be re- Women Legislators, along with memorate this important anni- ceived by Friday, October 15, other women’s and civil rights versary and to continue the work 2010 and three winners will be women is groups, was called upon by Attor- of ensuring equality for all peo- recognized for their work in ney General Martha Coakley to ple.” November. Suggested themes how we join her in an effort to commemo- The group announced that for the entries include the story rate the 90th anniversary of this fall, junior and senior high of the 19th amendment, the Women’s Suffrage. Women’s school students across Massa- right to vote, and honoring the get to Equality Day, August 26th, was chusetts are encouraged to par- contributions of women in marked by the formation of the ticipate in a Citizenship in Action civic life. equal Women’s Suffrage Celebration contest in observance of the 90th The Attorney General and Committee spearheaded by the Anniversary of the 19th Amend- the Women’s Suffrage Cele- Attorney General. ment granting women the right bration Committee (WSCC) represent- “We have been beneficiaries of to vote. Students will be invited will also hold a free screening all those who made great sacri- to participate in one of three in November at a Boston-area ation.” fices to achieve this important ways: movie theater of the educa- victory for civil rights,” said At- tional version of HBO’s award torney General Martha Coakley. Write a 400-600 word essay. winning film Iron Jawed An- “The right to vote was not a battle Create a digital video under gels. The story, which takes that was easily won; many women 3 minutes in length. place in 1912, tells the story of were imprisoned and went on Design a poster – up to a young group of women ac- hunger strikes in order for us to 22”x28” in size. tivists as they struggle to earn enjoy this freedom. Today, we the constitutional right to vote. CAUCUS COMMEMORATES 90th ANNIVERSARY

From left, Representatives The Caucus’ own Women’s Suffrage commemoration efforts Kathi-Anne Reinstein (D- Revere), Ann-Margaret Fer- were highlighted by their September 12 bus trip across the state in rante (D-Gloucester), Alice K. recognition of the historic anniversary. Stops were made in support Wolf (D-Cambridge) and Patricia Haddad (D- of fellow women legislators along the way. Somerset) traveled by van As Representative Patricia Haddad (D-Somerset), Assistant Ma- September 12th to support jority Whip of the House, quoted to The Boston Globe regarding the freshman women representa- tives. With the legislators are push, “The whole point of supporting other women is to make sure Massachusetts Women’s that they feel they are supported and that they can run for office.” Political Caucus Executive Director Priti Rao and Office Priti Rao, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Political Caucus, Manager Jessica Gibbons. added, “Women supporting women is how we get to equal repre- (Photo by Rose Lincoln for The Boston Globe) sentation.” Page 3 Caucus of Women Legislators Awards and Recognitions

Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D- Senator Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster) was hon- Newton) received the 2010 Out- ored recently at the Recovery Home Collaborative standing Legislator Award from the Gratitude Luncheon on Thursday September 16th for Community Preservation Coalition her commitment to substance abuse treatment ser- on Sept. 23 for her actions as lead vices. The Recovery Homes Collaborative is a group Senate sponsor of S. 90, a bill to up- of long- term Residential Treatment programs whose date the Community Preservation purpose is to provide an association for the joint mutual Act. effort of individuals and groups.

Representative Katherine Clark Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) (D-Melrose) attended the Boston was recognized in June by receiving the Kate Area Rape Crisis Center’s Crowley Unsung Hero Award from Mass Advo- (BARCC) 5th annual Walk for cates Standing Strong. Mass Advocates recog- Change, where she received the nized Rep. L’Italien for her support, commitment Beacon Award, in recognition of and action on issues important to persons with outstanding leadership in advancing challenges. the rights of sexual violence survi- On September 23, 2010 the American Heart Association vors. Representative Clark was a committed advocate for presented Representative (D- the passage of the new law An Act Relative to Harass- Marlborough) with the Heart of the Mission Award. As ment Prevention Orders. This law provides criminal har- the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of Americans, heart disease assment, stalking and sexual assault victims with the abil- and stroke have touched most people and the American ity to petition for a protective order against their perpetra- Heart/Stroke Association works hard to prevent cardio- tors. BARCC honored Rep. Clark in front of a crowd of vascular diseases and stroke so that others can live happy 1400 walkers at the annual event. and healthy lives. When Representative Danielle Gre- Representative Marty Walz (D-Boston) goire was elected as State Representative for the 4th Middlesex District recently received the Advocacy Award in 2008 she continued her long standing support as an outspoken advo- from the LivableStreets Alliance, a non- cate for the American Heart/Stroke Association especially against to- profit organization working to balance bacco and the harms that it causes. Representative Gregoire knows first- transit, walking, and biking with automo- hand because her father suffered a major heart attack when she was biles to create safe streets and livable younger because of a lifetime of smoking, she openly shares the story communities. Representative Walz re- about how she would break his cigarettes trying to get him to quit to ceived the award during the Liv- youth throughout the Commonwealth. In addition to her hard work in ableStreets Alliance Street Party celebrating the organiza- tobacco she has been a passionate advocate for children’s health issues tion’s 5th anniversary. The event was held on July and in particular she has worked first as a staff person and now as an 22. Representative Walz was honored for her work to elected official on quality physical education legislation. create safe, affordable, healthy, and sustainable transpor- tation for all people by advocating on behalf of pedestri- Representative Gloria Fox (D-Roxbury) was awarded ans and cyclists who use the Longfellow Bridge. the 2010 Roxbury Community College Foundation Gateway Award in March, the Leadership Campaign’s Representative (D-Amherst) 2010 Climate Courage Award in May, the Living Leg- has been named House Chair of the Special acy Award from Charles Street A.M.E. Seniors Coali- Commission Relative to Postpartum De- tion in July, the Inspiring Leader Award from Homes pression, as established by the Postpartum for Families in February, and the Children’s Services of Depression Law, Chapter 313 of the Acts of Roxbury Child & Family Advocacy Award in June. In 2010. The central feature to the new law is addition, she received the Community Health Workers Initiative of Bos- a commission to collaborate with the De- ton & Action for Boston Community Development CHW Champion partment of Public Health (DPH) to create a culture of Award in September as a defender of the CHW community and for her awareness, de-stigmatization and screening for postpar- leadership in sponsoring the bill to establish the Commonwealth’s first tum depression. The commission features a stakeholders CHW Board of Certification and the Massachusetts Association of in the issue, including government officials, health care Community Health Workers Special Recognition Award in September providers, experts in maternal depression, insurers and for her tireless advocacy for Community Health Workers within the women who have experienced postpartum depression. community and the State House. Page 4 CAUCUS OF WOMEN LEGISLATORS

MASSACHUSETTS LEGISL ATURE

CONTACT US: THE CAUCUS OF WOMEN LEGISLATORS IS A BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL Jessica Leitz 617-722-2266 GROUP OF FEMALE LEGISLATORS, THE MISSION OF WHICH IS TO [email protected] ENHANCE THE ECONOMIC STATUS AND EQUALITY OF WOMEN AND TO

ENCOURAGE AND FOSTER WOMEN IN ALL BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT 2010 Co-Chairs

Senator Patricia D. Jehlen

Representative Alice K. Wolf Treasurer Women Featured in Series Representative Katherine Clark branches of state government as well as Executive Director advocacy, lobbying and communications. Jessica Leitz Ziaja and O’Neill selectively invite speakers

for the hour-long seminars which are heav- ily attended. “It is a privilege to present the Legislative House Members Senate Members Intern Seminar Series each summer. It is Willie Mae Allen Gale D. Candaras wonderful that the students are introduced Harriette L. Chandler Ruth B. Balser Sonia Chang-Diaz to the inspiring individuals who work on Cynthia Stone Creem Beacon Hill,” Ziaja said. She added, “I am Jennifer Callahan Susan C. Fargo Jennifer L Flanagan grateful for the time and expertise gra- Christine E. Canavan Patricia D. Jehlen Despite time constricting schedules and ciously shared by all of the presenters. I can Katherine Clark Joan M. Menard unprecedented legislative challenges, several always count on the members of the Cheryl A. Coakley- Therese Murray Rivera Karen E. Spilka Caucus members took time to address House Women’s Legislative Caucus to present Geraldine Creedon Susan C. Tucker and Senate interns over the course of the topical seminars which generate meaningful Marian Walsh summer. Each offered a unique perspective dialogue and lively discussions.” Ann-Margaret Ferrante on her role in the legislature and focused on Featured speakers this year included Sen- Linda Dorcena Forry Gloria L. Fox disparate aspects of process, specialty and ate President Therese Murray (D- Colleen M. Garry approach. Over 300 college and graduate Plymouth), Representative Linda Dorcena Susan W. Gifford level students interned in the legislature this Forry (D-Dorchester), Representative Gloria Anne M. Gobi Mary E. Grant summer. Fox (D-Roxbury), Representative Patricia Danielle Gregoire The annual Intern Seminar Series, run by Haddad (D-Somerset), Representative Kathi Patricia A. Haddad Lida E. Harkins Senate Education Office Director Anne Ziaja -Anne Reinstein (D-Revere), Representative and House Committee on Personnel and Ad- Mary Grant (D-Beverly), Representative Kay Khan Barbara A. L’Italien ministration Staff Director Caitlin O’Neill, is Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough) and Elizabeth A. Malia designed to offer perspectives, opinions and Representative (D-Jamaica Plain). firsthand knowledge from leaders in all Alice H. Peisch Elizabeth A. Poirier Karyn E. Polito Three of the six highly coveted and competitive 2010 Arthur R. Lambert Memorial Scholar- Kathi-Anne Reinstein ships awarded in August were presented to interns of Caucus members: Stephanie Calnan Pam Richardson of Senator Jennifer Flanagan’s office, Richard Serino of Representative Kathi-Anne Rein- Rosemary Sandlin Joyce A. Spiliotis stein’s office and Kiran Pandher of Representative ’s office. The scholarship is Harriett L. Stanley awarded each summer in memory of Arthur R. Lambert to deserving students who exem- Ellen Story Martha M. Walz plify strong moral values, a working knowledge of state government and a dedicated com- Alice K. Wolf mitment to public service.

“ While working for a woman legislator, it was interesting and instructive to see the combi- nation of her superior mentoring skills and her facility for complete assertiveness when the

moment called for it. It was a great experience,” said Ricky Serino of his internship.