On October 10, 2018 and October 23,2018 the Black Advisory Commission (BAC) and the Latino Advisory Commission (LAC) shared their recommendations to address "the concerns of the Massachusetts Black and Latino community while promoting economic prosperity and well-being." The two commissions were established via executive orders signed by Governor Charlie Baker who welcomed the comprehensive reports put together by the commission members. The two bodies consisted of leaders from various fields providing a mosaic of feedback and insight.
Referencing the BAC report, MBLLC member Representative Russell Holmes said, "We're going to make sure that in every space in this commonwealth that we are spending billions of dollars, blacks and Latinos are now a part of this conversation." Representative Bud Williams, also an MBLLC member who represents Springfield, MA, also shared remarks at the reveal referencing the need for black people across all aspects of society. He noted that people of color have the skill set, desire, and talent to be able to contribute in board rooms, construction sites, and any other field. He went on to explain, "You can be in the projects but in your mind be going to Harvard or BC." The reports include various deliberate and measurable recommendations which were curated following an extensive community process. Both commissions travel the state holding listening sessions and engaging with community members to assure their suggestions accurately reflected the needs of their communities. These recommendations target education, economic development, and more. Speaking at the release of the LAC report, MBLLC Chairman Frank Moran noted, "Goals of increasing the number of Latinos serving as state employees in leadership roles, ensuring access to capital and technical support for Latino-owned businesses, and expanding ESOL opportunities for our children and adults are all admirable recommendations. Now, it’s up to all of us to hear these recommendations and to put them into action." Representative Carlos Gonzales, another MBLLC member who also Represents Springfield, MA, reflected on the report as well stating, "In the past many broken promises have led to the creation of no wealth in the black and Latino community. False promises in urban renewal, false promises in studies that have been shelved with great recommendations. To hear that this commission will continue to work for the next two years is inspiring and amazing." In the coming months the MBLLC will not lose sight of the recommendations and their potential to uplift the African-American and Latino communities in the Commonwealth. The MBLLC will continue to meet with Governor Charlie Baker on a quarterly basis and utilize the meetings as an opportunity to discuss progress and implementation of the recommendations. The two reports and additional information can be found below: Black Advisory Commission General Information Black Advisory Commission Report Press Release Black Advisory Commission Report Latino Advisory Commission General Information Latino Advisory Commission Report Press Release Latino Advisory Commission Report
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On October 17, 2018 the MBLLC announced that the FY2018 supplemental budget, enacted in both the House and Senate, includes $10m to address public safety concerns regarding gun violence. The budget now awaits Governor Charlie Baker's signature. The pilot program would give communities an additional tool to reduce violence complimenting existing efforts such as the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative and the Shannon Community Safety Initiative. Caucus members have made public safety a top priority and will continue to do so following recent meetings with key stakeholders such as the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. On October 2, 2018 visitors from across Massachusetts converged at the State House to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, Latinx excellence, Latinx culture, and the tremendous contributions Latinx people have made to the Commonwealth. The MBLLC was joined by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Karen Spilka, and ALPHA Board Chair Yvonne Garcia as they all spoke of how invaluable the Laitnx community is to Massachusetts. The first of what will become an annual event was a statement to all that the Latinx community is thriving and ready to lead. A full list of the honorees is attached below |
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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