FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Mallory Strain 978-228-1233 | mallory.strain@mahouse.gov
February 22nd – BOSTON – The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus elected its leadership team for the 193rd session. The Caucus unanimously voted to elect Representative Bud Williams of Springfield as Chair, and Representative Andy Vargas of Haverhill as Vice-Chair. Representative Chynah Tyler of Boston, who Chaired the Caucus in the 192nd session, led the meeting.
The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus is a bicameral group of state legislators seeking to “define, highlight and analyze those issues and concerns affecting people of color in the Commonwealth.” The Caucus welcomed 11 new members this session, bringing their total to a historic 25 members.
Accomplishments of the Caucus during Rep. Vargas’ time as a member have included the passage of the landmark Police Reform Act of 2021, establishing the Commonwealth Builder Program to help close the racial homeownership gap (which broke ground in Haverhill), supporting equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, successfully advocating for the removal of parole and probation supervision fees, creating partnerships to improve access to biotech opportunities for Black and Latino youth, helping to pass the Work and Family Mobility Act to improve public safety, and more.
“It is an honor to serve as Vice Chair of the caucus this session and I am grateful for the confidence of my colleagues. I look forward to advancing our shared agenda for a more just and prosperous Commonwealth for all. We have a lot of work to do to make Massachusetts an affordable place to live and thrive. We take on this endeavor clear eyed about the data which confirms what we already know — black and brown families face the brunt of our affordability crisis in Massachusetts. I look forward to the opportunity to make meaningful progress in the session ahead.” - Representative Andy Vargas (D-Haverhill.)
Caucus priorities for the 193rd session are currently under discussion.
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