Caucus of Women Legislators Fourth Quarter 2007

State House, Room 460 • Boston, 02133 • Ph: (617) 722-2266 Past and Present Legislators Gather for 157, And Counting Reunion

succeed the President in the case of the F ormer Representative latter’s removal, resignation or death. In Katharine Kane smiled at both the famil- the room full of past and present female iar and unfamiliar faces around the room state representatives and senators, Ms. as she received applause. Representative Kane was the earliest-serving legislator Marty Walz (D-Boston), Ms. Kane’s state present at that night’s event held at the representative and House Chair of the Cau- College Club of Boston, and is one of the cus of Women Legislators, had just recog- earliest-serving who is still alive today. nized Ms. Kane’s legislative service from Titled 157, And Counting after the 1965 to 1968, some 40 years ago. Ms. 157 women legislators who have served in Kane served under former House Speaker Former Representative Anne Paulsen, Representative the Massachusetts General Court, the Oc- John McCormack when Lyndon Johnson Lida Harkins, Former Representatives Barbara Gard- tober 11 reception and dinner brought to- was President of the United States. She ner and Barbara Hildt (left to right) chat at 157, And gether former and current women legisla- Counting. took part in the state’s ratification of the tors for the first reunion of its kind in re- 15th amendment to the Bill of Rights, which allowed for the Vice President to cent (Continued on page 4) Brown Bag Lunches Spotlight Lung Cancer in Women and Child Hunger Caucus Hosts Lung Cancer Alliance for Dr. Deborah Frank Speaks to October Discussion on Women’s Health Legislators and Staff About Child Hunger * * * * * *

O ver lunch on October 25, legislators and staff I n introducing guest speaker Dr. Deborah A. joined co-chairs Diane Legg and Joanne O’Connor of the Mas- Frank to legislators and staff gathered for the Caucus of sachusetts chapter of the Lung Cancer Alliance for a discus- Women Legislators’ November brown bag lunch on child hun- sion on lung cancer in women. ger, Representative (D-Concord) explained how Following an introduction by Senator Susan C. Fargo the idea for that day’s briefing came about. In late 2006, Dr. (D-Lincoln), Senate Chair of the Caucus of Women Legisla- Frank had contacted Representative Atkins after she was tors and the Committee quoted in The Boston Globe, responding to a report that found

Save the Dates! on Public Health, both one in every three children in 35 poor communities around the women shared how Commonwealth was going hungry. “I was appalled,” Repre-

each had been touched sentative Atkins said. “Child hunger should be a zero- February 13 by lung cancer. Ms. tolerance issue. We have the resources to make sure that every Go Red for Women Legg is a survivor of child in this Commonwealth is fed," she was quoted as saying.

the disease. Her close The meeting between legislators, staff, and Dr. Frank, a recog- February 27 friend, Susan Levinsky, nized leader in the field of child development and nutrition, Annual Meeting was one of the results of that important (Continued on page 5) (Continued on page 5) Massachusetts A Message from the Co-Chairs Caucus of Women Legislators Dear Colleagues, Staff, and Friends: 2007 Co-Chairs Happy New Year to all! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and survived the first snowstorms of our early-arriving winter. Representative Martha M. Walz As we enter the new year, we have news to report from the last Senator Susan C. Fargo few months and upcoming plans to share with you. Treasurer First, we welcome the Caucus’ two newest appointees to the Commission on the Status of Women, Azell Murphy Cavaan and Pam Representative Harriett L Stanley Malumphy, and congratulate a familiar face, Elizabeth Houlihan, on her Board of Directors re-appointment to the Commission. More information about each of these women can be found on page 4. We also want to recognize and thank the Representative Willie Mae Allen members of our Screening Committee for their hard work in reviewing and Senator Harriette L. Chandler interviewing candidates for our three open positions this year: Co-Chairs, Representative Mary E. Grant Anne Gobi and Mary Grant, as well as Willie Mae Allen, , Rose- mary Sandlin, Harriett Stanley, and Alice Wolf. Representative Kay Khan Our brown bag lunches in 2007 brought a number of important Representative issues to the legislature’s attention, and the first one planned for 2008 on January 17 spotlights the Massachusetts Public Higher Education Initia- Representative Mary S. Rogeness tive in Nursing Education, an innovative home-grown program that is Executive Director being replicated around the country. With a severe shortage of nurses in Diana Hwang the state, compounded by a shortage of nurse educators, our healthcare suffers. The Nursing Initiative aims to remedy both problems through the Members of House Members of Senate implementation of ground-breaking workforce development training and Willie Mae Allen Gale D. Candaras program development. We hope you will join us for this special briefing. Cory Atkins Harriette L. Chandler February 13 is Go Red for Women Day at the State House. The Ruth B. Balser Cynthia Stone Creem Jennifer M. Callahan Susan C. Fargo Caucus is proud to once again sponsor this important event that spotlights Linda Dean Camp- Patricia D. Jehlen bell Joan M. Menard the issue of women and heart disease, the #1 killer of women nationwide. Christine E. Canavan Therese Murray Also ahead is the Caucus’ Annual Meeting, scheduled for February 27, Cheryl A. Coakley- Pamela P. Resor Rivera Karen E. Spilka and a trip to MCI-Framingham to discuss issues pertinent to women in Geraldine Creedon Susan C. Tucker prison. A special report release, tour of the facility, and Q&A session Jennifer L. Flanagan Marian Walsh Linda Dorcena Forry Dianne Wilkerson with new Department of Corrections Commissioner Harold Clarke is Gloria L. Fox Colleen M. Garry planned. Susan W. Gifford Needless to say, we’re not wasting any time in starting 2008. Anne M. Gobi Mary E. Grant We always invite your ideas and feedback. Best wishes to all for Patricia A. Haddad a happy and healthy New Year. Lida E. Harkins Rachel Kaprielian Kay Khan Sincerely, Barbara A. L’Italien Elizabeth A. Malia Marty Walz and Susan Fargo Alice H. Peisch Elizabeth A. Poirier Karyn E. Polito ABOUT THE CAUCUS OF WOMEN LEGISLATORS Denise Provost Kathi-Anne Reinstein Pam Richardson The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legisla- Mary S. Rogeness Rosemary Sandlin tors is a bipartisan, bicameral group of female legisla- Joyce A. Spiliotis Harriett L. Stanley tors, the mission of which is to enhance the economic Marie P. St. Fleur Patricia A. Walrath status and equality of women and to encourage and Martha M. Walz Alice K. Wolf foster women in all levels of government.

Page 2 Caucus of Women Legislators CONGRATULATIONS! Members share with us news of their achievements!

In late September, the Spring- Representative Geraldine field Education Association Creedon (D-Brockton) was (SEA) presented Senator Gale D. honored by the Massachusetts Asso- Candaras (D-Wilbraham) with its ciation of School Committees Friend of Education Award. Timothy (MASC) as Legislator of the Year for Collins, SEA President, thanked her 2007. In announcing Representative for her support of “public education, Creedon as this year’s honoree, the the children and the teachers in MASC recognized her leadership as Springfield Public Schools…for many years.” Most notably, Vice Chair of the Education Committee and described her as Senator Candaras’ “hard work and strong advocacy was one a “forceful advocate” for key public education issues, includ- of the driving forces behind the SEA achieving a fair con- ing school building assistance funding and meaningful reim- tract for the City’s educators,” he said. bursement rates.

The Women Legislators’ This fall, Representative Lobby/Women’s Action for Marie P. St. Fleur (D-Boston), New Directions (WiLL/WAND) pre- along with Senator Thomas M. sented Representative Kay Khan McGee (D-Lynn), was honored with (D-Newton) with its Pacesetters the Massachusetts Recreation and Award at its National Conference Parks Association’s 2007 Legislative held in Washington, D.C. from Sep- Award and recognized as Legislator tember 30 to October 2. Representa- of the Year for 2007 by the YMCA. tive Khan, the Massachusetts State Director for WiLL/ Both organizations lauded their work as Co-Chairs of the WAND, was honored for her “noteworthy legislative service, Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out her contributions to sound progressive policy, and her of School Time, which released its final report, Our Common groundbreaking leadership in the state.” Wealth: Building a Future for Our Children and Youth, in mid-November.

On October 11, the Community In December, Representative Dispute Settlement Center hon- Alice K. Wolf (D-Cambridge) ored Representative Martha M. was named Legislator of the Year by Walz (D-Boston) at its annual Spirit the Massachusetts chapter of the Na- Mediation Gala for “her continued tional Organization of Women public service in the area of mediation (NOW). In honoring Representative and conflict resolution.” Wolf, the group praised her efforts “throughout her career” to “champion legislation that advances women’s equality.” “2007 was no different,” Victoria Steinberg, Co-President of Massachusetts NOW, said, citing her leadership on pay equity and compre- hensive health education legislation.

Fourth Quarter 2007 Page 3 Caucus Makes 2007-2008 Appointments to Commission on the Status of Women

cluded a 27-year ca- T he reer as the Vice Presi- Caucus of Women dent of Sales and Legislators has ap- Service and as Vice pointed Azell Murphy President/General Cavaan and Pam Manager of Opera- Malumphy and reap- tions. Mrs. Houlihan pointed Elizabeth was appointed to the Houlihan to the Mas- Commission in 2005. sachusetts Commis- She was elected and sion on the Status of has served as Vice Women (MCSW). Chair and then Chair Azell Murphy Cavaan Elizabeth Houlihan Pam Malumphy Ms. Cavaan of Springfield, Massachusetts Falmouth, Massachusetts Pittsfield, Massachusetts of the Commission. Springfield serves as the Under her leadership, Community Relations Director for the City of Springfield. She has the Commission expanded its annual Unsung Heroines event to an extensive background in news media, working for six years as a honor almost 300 women from across the Commonwealth and reporter for The Boston Herald and four years covering local govern- launched the Massachusetts Women’s Resource and Referral Net- ment news for Springfield’s The Republican. As an Adjunct Profes- work, an online database that provides Massachusetts women with sor at Northeastern University, she also taught news writing and information about local, regional and state resources. As Chair, she news analysis classes to undergraduate journalism students. introduced the Commissioner Emerita position to honor women who Ms. Malumphy, a Pittsfield resident, is the Berkshire previously served on the Commission and to keep them involved in County Regional Director for the Massachusetts Office of Business MCSW activities. Development and served as the Chairwoman of the Berkshire In addition to Ms. Cavaan, Ms. Malumphy, and Mrs. County Commission on the Status of Women. She is a former Pitts- Houlihan, the Caucus’ MCSW appointees are Lianne Cook, Angela field city councilor and also serves on the city’s Planning Board and Menino, and Carol Pimentel. Board of Health. For her many professional and community efforts, she was named the 2005-2006 Woman of Achievement by Berkshire About the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Business and Professional Women. The MCSW is an independent state agency that was legislatively Mrs. Houlihan of Falmouth is President of E.H. Houlihan created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full & Associates, an executive search and business consulting firm. equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportu- Previously, she was the Chief Operating Officer for CO Space, Inc. nities. The 19 Commissioners are appointed by one of four appoint- based in Burlington, MA. Mrs. Houlihan was also a Senior Manager ing authorities: the Caucus of Women Legislators (6), the Governor at Verizon Corporation, then known as Nynex. At Nynex, she con- (5), the Speaker of the House (4), and the Senate President (4).

Caucus of Women Legislators Hosts 157, And Counting

(continued from page 1) As Representative Walz told atten- woman Senate President in Senate President memory. Surrounded by black-and-white dees in her welcoming remarks, there was a Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), no woman photos of colleagues and former colleagues particular inspiration behind the organization has served as House Speaker for longer than at State House events, former Representative of the night’s event: to strengthen and build a day. Former Representative Sylvia Kane met and mingled with freshmen Repre- on this network of women who share the Donaldson was granted that honor on Febru- sentatives Linda Dean Campbell (D- unique experience of serving in the Massa- ary 18, 1926. And, though former Senators Methuen) and Sarah Peake (D- chusetts legislature. Jane Swift and Shannon O’Brien rose to be- Provincetown). Former Governor Jane Swift The numbers Representative Walz come the first female Governor and State and former State Treasurer Shannon O’Brien shared with the group were staggering: 157 Treasurer in Massachusetts history, respec- chatted while former Representative Ruth women have served in the state’s legislature, tively, there is still much to be accomplished Provost and Representative Denise Provost but over 23,000 men have done the same for women in the Commonwealth. (D-Somerville) laughed about their shared since statehood. Though the Commonwealth 157…and counting. now has its first last name. (The two are not related.) Page 4 Caucus of Women Legislators October Brown Bag Lunch with Lung Cancer Alliance (continued from page 1) Ms. Legg and Ms. O’Connor told attendees, has translated into a lack of funding for lung and a late-stage diagnosis means likely death. cancer research, Ms. Legg said. was diagnosed with an advanced form of the A general screening system has yet to be In early November, Senator Fargo cancer a few months before her own early established. filed legislation addressing the lack of re- diagnosis. In 2005, nine months after Ms. There is an important gender com- search dollars for lung cancer prevention and Levinsky learned she suffered from the dis- ponent to lung cancer incidence. Lung can- treatment. Co-sponsored by 29 Senators and ease, she passed away. That Ms. Legg sur- cer is the leading cause of cancer death in 52 Representatives, S. 2454, An Act Estab- vived and her friend did not felt unfair and Massachusetts and U.S. women, killing as lishing the Commonwealth Lung Cancer wrong, she said. For Ms. O’Connor, it was many women as breast cancer and all gyne- Early Detection and Treatment Research her sister Kathy who battled the disease. cological cancers combined. Even more Fund, taps a portion of the state’s cigarette After complaining of back pain and visiting a alarming is the fact that 20% of lung cancer excise revenue to institute lung cancer chiropractor, Kathy was told that she had victims have never smoked, and almost 75% screening programs for underserved popula- stage IV lung cancer. The doctors found of those people are women. Doctors believe tions and those at high-risk of developing the skeletal tumors throughout most parts of her that women are more susceptible to the dis- disease, Senator Fargo explained to brown body, and she was given six months to live. ease because of the existence of estrogen bag lunch attendees. The money will also Kathy died two weeks after her 55th birth- receptors in lung cancer cells, which work to support research on targeted therapies, che- day. fuel tumor growth in women. This would moprevention, and disparities. Needless to say, these experiences make risk factors such as second-hand smoke Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President drive Ms. Legg’s and Ms. O’Connor’s efforts or air pollution more toxic for women than and CEO of the Lung Cancer Alliance, her- to increase awareness of the disease and af- for men. alded the introduction of S. 2454 as a fect health policy with regard to lung cancer. Ms. Legg commented on the stigma “watershed moment for the entire lung can- Both women testified to the critical need for attached to the disease: “When people find cer community and all of those at risk for the increased research into lung cancer treatment out you have [lung cancer], they immediately disease in Massachusetts.” and early detection methods. 70% of lung ask, ‘Did you smoke?’” They assume you The bill will be heard by the Joint cancer diagnoses are late-stage diagnoses, did something to “deserve” it. That stigma Committee on Revenue in early 2008.

Caucus Hosts Child Hunger Discussion

(continued from page 1) will not be able to afford to both heat their homes and feed them- selves. This either/or scenario is termed “the heat or eat crisis” meeting over the phone. and is scientifically documented. In general, “the food budget is In her briefing on child hunger, Dr. Frank, Founder/ the only fungible part of a family’s budget, so when things get Director of the Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center and Princi- tight, food is the first thing to go,” Dr. Frank explained. pal Investigator at the Children’s Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Dr. Frank stressed the importance of providing emer- Program (C-SNAP), explained that one of the challenges in rais- gency assistance to poor families who struggle to pay their heat- ing awareness of the problem is that the physicalization of child ing bills and face this “heat or eat crisis.” In early November, hunger sometimes works to mask the problem. “You see a child $15 million of emergency home heating assistance for low- with a big head and a skinny body, and you think you see a cute 2 income and elderly residents was unanimously approved by the year-old.” In actuality, “that cute 2 year-old is an underfed 3 Massachusetts legislature. Dr. Frank believes more will be year-old,” Dr. Frank said. needed as the winter progresses. Child nutrition is vital for more than survival purposes, She also expressed support for the proposed state hous- Dr. Frank told attendees. “Poor nutrition prevents kids from ing tax credit plan, legislation to restore food stamp benefits to fighting infections, it affects their concentration at school, and it legal immigrants, and increased funding for the Special Supple- manifests itself as disruptive or violent behavior. “I always say mental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children that before you medicate them, feed them,” Dr. Frank com- (WIC). “Energy, housing, and food” are the three central needs mented. “It’s all intertwined.” and expenses for every family, Dr. Frank explained. Relieving Dr. Frank warned legislators and staff about the crisis the problem of child hunger requires that all three needs are met. many families find themselves in as winter arrives. Because of the skyrocketing costs of food and fuel this year, some families Fourth Quarter 2007 Page 5