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On Wednesday, June 26, 2019 Chairman González met with Carmen Plazas and Cristina Aguilera to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The meeting was a follow up to a recent briefing hosted by the Caucus and the advocates about the crisis.
Agreeing to work together to address the matter, the meeting participants discussed actions which the Caucus could take to help promote free and fair elections in Venezuela.
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On Wednesday, June 26, 2019 the MBLLC welcomed State House staff, Legislators, and the public to join a celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Participants enjoyed authentic Caribbean food provided by Merengue Restaurant which is a local establishment in Caucus member Rep. Liz Miranda's district.
While celebrating those who have contributed to the American Landscape, attendees also enjoyed learning how to dance salsa, bachata, and other dances. On Wednesday, June 26, 2019 the MBLLC met with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Jeff Riley. Members stressed the need for more diverse teachers and noted that there are many barriers facing people of color interested in the profession. Commissioner Riley agreed with the Caucus and shared efforts by DESE to address the issue.
On Tuesday, June 25, 2019 Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz testified in support of solar power equity legislation filed by herself and Representative Russell Holmes. Alongside MBLLC colleague Rep. Nika Elugardo, Sen. Chang-Díaz spoke about the goal to ensure that all communities in the Commonwealth have access to solar energy.
The bill would do so by providing fair compensation for renters and low-moderate income residents, by incentivizing developers to build community solar projects, and by allowing municipal solar to remain at retail rate compensation when delivering savings to low-income private consumers. Titled "An Act relative to solar power in environmental justice and urban communities" and filed as H2877 / S1931, the legislation is one of two bills in the Caucus' new Climate/Environmental Justice legislative priorities category. On Thursday, June 20, 2019 the MBLLC testified in support of H669 & S392: An Act to increase voter registration, participation, and to help prevent recidivism. The legislation, filed by Rep. Holmes and Sen. Chang-Díaz would protect and empower eligible voters, while facilitating voter registration for those who regain their right to vote upon returning to their communities.
The legislation would make it the responsibility of the DOC to to help eligible voters in their custody obtain absentee ballots, and help those convicted of felonies preregister leading up to their release. It would also require that the Secretary of State train city and town clerks on this. When incarcerated individuals return to their communities they face many obstacles. These hurdles arise while searching for employment, but they also arise while they simply look for ways to contribute to society and play a helpful role in their community. This legislation provides them with a mechanism to participate in the building of their community, and thereby can reduce recidivism as they recognize their prospects to fully reenter society. On Tuesday, June 18, 2019 the MBLLC testified in support of legislation filed by Caucus Chairman Carlos González known as An Act relative to the development of a strategy supporting micro businesses in inner city communities. The bill, also identified as H183, would establish an independent committee to develop strategies for supporting micro businesses in inner city communities.
According to a 2018 U.S. Small Business Administration report, MA is home to 89,930 minority owned businesses. The same report noted that businesses with less than 20 employees added 20,901 jobs to the economy in 2018, and in 2015 small firms accounted for 34.7%, or $23b, of the State’s total exports. Micro and minority businesses play an important role in our economy, and an even more important role in the communities which the MBLLC serves. We are proud to support them by advocating for this Caucus priority legislation. Additional information about the bill is included here and we welcome the public to share their support as well. On Tuesday, June 18, 2019 Caucus Chairman Carlos González spoke on behalf of the MBLLC in support of House bill 2654. The Legislation, summarized above, was filed by MBLLC member Rep. Andy Vargas and Rep. Denise Garlick to address a growing public health issues. Vaping products include harmful nicotine that can hamper the development of our young children and can alter their brain. During the testimony Chairman González noted that the growing use of vaping products threatens the gains we have made while addressing cigarette use. Cigarette use among Massachusetts youth has declined by more than 60% in the past 20 years currently standing at 6.4%: the lowest rate ever recorded for Commonwealth youth. Additional information about the bill is included here and we welcome the public to share their support as well.  On Wednesday, June 12, 2019 the MBLLC met with Governor Charlie Baker in an effort to discuss closing the wealth gap in the Commonwealth. Some of the topics address included micro business development, home ownership, public workforce diversity, and diversity in construction. The meeting, part of an ongoing tradition of quarterly meetings between the Administration and Caucus, was the second of the 190th General Court. Members were also joined by the leadership of Mass Housing, the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, and the Human Resources Division. A press release distributed to the press prior to the meeting can be found below. On Wednesday, June 12, 2019 the MBLLC hosted Dorchester's Martin Luther King Jr. School for our last Civics Day on the Hill program of the school year. The 20 or so students participated in a program where they learned about the legislative process, what happens at the State House, and enjoyed listening to speakers who shared their stories about how they got to the State House.
Along the way the group discussed public safety, youth jobs, and more. They were joined MBLLC member Rep. Liz Miranda and Aaron from MBLLC member Rep. Frank Moran's office who each spent time connecting with the students. These speakers provided them with the opportunity to ask questions and recognize that this career could be a viable option for them. The Civics Day on the Hill program was launched to increase diversity and build a more inclusive pipeline of future State House interns and staffers. It continues to serve as a way for the Caucus to connect with youth and spread the message of our work, while inspiring students to pursue a career in public service On Wednesday, June 5, 2019 the MBLLC hosted a group of concerned local Venezuelans as they discussed the struggle for free and fair elections in the midst of an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Alongside academic leaders, they shared insights about the modern history of Venezuela and took questions from those in attendance.
Visitors heard from MBLLC member Rep. Nika Elugardo, State Senator Jamie Eldridge, and Professor Leonardo Vivas who is a lecturer on Latin America and international politics. Visit www.askavenezuelan.com to learn more |
AuthorMBLLC log posts are curated by the Caucus Executive Director. Archives
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