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On July 31, 2019 the MBLLC met with State Representative Paul Tucker and Northern Essex Community College to discuss H3810: An Act Relative to Police Minimum Education. The Legislation would require police in the Commonwealth to have an associates degree; consequently, leading to better comprehension of civil rights issues, a reduction in complaints and disciplinary actions, and reductions in the use of deadly force.
One of our goals as a Caucus is to ensure that legislation does not disproportionately/negatively impact the Black and Latinx communities we serve here in Massachusetts. With that in mind, it was our pleasure to meet with these stakeholders to discuss how to strengthen the bill by addressing potential barriers to employment. You can review the full bill and track it here.
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On July 30, 2019 the MBLLC testified in support of H3562: a Caucus priority filed by State Representative Nika Elugardo. The legislation would provide equity to be leveraged for affordable housing renovation, development and resident services.
Those pictured above testifying include MBLLC Chairman Carlos González, State Representative Nika Elugardo, State Representative Liz Miranda, State Senator Jamie Eldridge, State Representative Denise Provost,State Representative Jim Hawkins, Economist Dr. Barry Blueston, and Cambridge Housing Authority Director of Planning & Development Margaret Moran. Additional details about the bill are included in the fact sheet below and you can track the status of the bill here. You can also help us by writing, calling, or emailing the Joint Committee on Housing and sharing your support for the proposal. On Friday, July 26, 2019 MBLLC member Rep. Chynah Tyler testified in support of Caucus priorities seeking to diversify the workforce for State contracts and projects. The two bills would ensure that the workforce for projects in our communities more accurately reflects the population of those same communities. The matter has been a recurring point of focus over the years and remains a main agenda item in discussions with key stakeholders such as Gov. Charlie Baker.
Those who are interested in supporting the bill, and who would like to help bring it to fruition, can do so by expressing their support to State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee Chairs Rep. Danielle Gregoire and Senator Marc Pacheco. Additional information about the bills are included through the links below: H2792 Sponsor: Rep. Chynah Tyler An Act relative to equity in public workforce H2717/S1807 Sponsors: Rep. Russell E. Holmes / State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz An Act relative to equity in public contracting in honor of Bruce C. Bolling On Wednesday, July 24, 2019 the MBLLC met with the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC) leading to a fruitful discussion about the need for supportive services, funding, equity, innovation and more in higher education.
The MBLLC was joined by MACC's new director, and former state Representative, Tom Sannicandro. Mr. Sannicandro came along with community college presidents representing institutions from all across the Commonwealth including North Shore Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Bunker Hill Community College, Middlesex Community College, Quinsigamond Community College, MassBay Community College, Roxbury Community College, Greenfield Community College, and Northern Essexx Community College. On Wednesday, July 17, 2019 the MBLLC released a statement strongly condemning bigoted remarks made by President Trump towards Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D – Massachusetts), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D - New York), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D- Minnesota), and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D – Michigan). The 4 women of color are commonly referred to as "The Squad". In the released statement MBLLC Chairman Carlos González said, “Every American must stand to condemn his racist tweets and rhetoric. We must unite and denounce the dangerous path Donald Trump wants to take this country. His racist and xenophobic policies threaten America’s strength and standing around the world.” The full remarks are included below.  On Wednesday, July 10, 2019 the MBLLC met with State Auditor Suzanne Bump leading to a fruitful discussion addressing diversity, public benefits, and the police training.
As is stated on the Auditor's website, her office conducts audits, investigations, and studies to promote accountability and transparency, improve performance, and make government work better. You can learn more about their efforts and review their audits here On Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Governor Charlie Baker announced an $86m investment in Workforce Housing, with $60m to support homeownership initiatives in particular. The commitment came on the heels of a recent quarterly meeting with the MBLLC where members noted homeownership as a means to address the wealth gap in Massachusetts.
As is noted by the Administration, the $60 million commitment will create roughly 500 new workforce homes that will be affordable and accessible for moderate-income, first-time homebuyers. Additional details, as well as remarks from MBLLC members Rep. Carlos Gonzalez and Rep. Russell E. Holmes, are included here. |
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Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC)
State House, Room 460
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-2688
mablacklatinocaucus@gmail.com
State House, Room 460
Boston, MA 02133
617-722-2688
mablacklatinocaucus@gmail.com